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About 100 children attended this Vacation Bible School in New Zealand.
The objective of the Vacation Bible School is to bring the gospel
boys and girls in a way that is both attractive and instruction
Furthermore, it is to awaken an interest in the parents toward ti
plan of salvation. "Parents who can be reached in no other way a
frequently reached through their children."—Counsels
on Sa,
bath School Work,
p. 114.
from your Sabbath Scho
Order the following supplies
Evangelism Center or ABC:
o
Teachers Guides
o
Activity books
o
Manuals
o
VBS handbooks
o
Crafts
o
Posters
o
Banners, balloons, etc.
"The soul of a little child that b
lieves in Christ is as precious
His sight as are the
throne."—Testimo-
nies,
vol. 4, p. 591.
angels about His
THE
vadiqujiimad awed
800 Thomson Rood
Singapore
Dear Sabbath
School Members Around The World:
A wonderful bond of fellowship and strength comes by being members of the Sabbath
School. Through this heaven-ordained institution, a weekly view of the world church
membership, busily engaged in sharing the good news of salvation in Christ, is
acquired. Sabbath School provides a grand opportunity to support the world church
program through personal gifts of love.
Your Thirteenth Sabbath Special Projects Offering designated for the Far Eastern
Division this quarter, will strengthen three specific areas of tremendous need.
Mt. Klabat Girls' Dormitory - Mt. Klabat College is located in a magnificent tropical
setting in the eastern part of Indonesia, near the city of Manado. Students there
receive a thorough Adventist education, which includes work experience. Many key church
leaders, both lay and ministerial, have been trained at this school. However, dormitory
space is at a premium. A new girls' dormitory is desperately needed to replace the
present,very inadequate, temporary housing facility.
Central Philippine Union College - With two colleges in the Philippines filled to
overflowing, a third college is urgently needed. A beautiful location has already
been selected and land has been purchased. It is planned that this school will be
in full operation soon after the special projects offering is received. Students
have been refused entrance into the colleges because of lack of space. This new
school provides an answer.
Philippine Barrio Chapels - In a country where the church membership is growing
very rapidly, there is an immediate need for additional churches and chapels. A
new national highway has been built from the northern part of the Philippines to
the south. It is planned that along this highway a new Seventh-day Adventist Church
will be erected in most of the small towns and village barrios. The members are
anxious to assist with the buildings but they need the help of our church members
around the world to provide these church homes.
Thank you for asking the Lord to bless this building program. Could you personally
visit the projects you have supported in the past from your generous Thirteenth
Sabbath Offerings, I know you would rejoice to see the results. Please join with
me, June 27, in taking advantage of another great opportunity to give for the
glorious advancement of God's ever-expanding church.
cerely,
&fed
(
Don. F. Gilbert
Treasurer
FAR EASTERN DIVISION
1—A.L. 2-81
THERE IS A COMPLETE INDEX to the periodical articles
written by Ellen G. White. The SUBJECT INDEX TO THE
ELLEN G. WHITE PERIODICAL ARTICLES will be of real
value to the serious student, to libraries, and reference
centers.
In her lifetime Ellen G. White wrote some 4,600 articles,
which appeared in such church journals as the
Review,
Signs of the Times, Youth's Instructor, Health Reformer,
and
others. Of these, 75 to 80 percent have not been reproduced
in currently available E. G. White books.
With the SUBJECT. INDEX TO THE ELLEN G. WHITE
PERIODICAL ARTICLES it is possible to have access to
reference material that previously was available only in the
White Estate vaults and the several Ellen G. White SDA
Research Centers.
Cloth 1,072 pages
US$19.75
Order from your local Adventist Book Center.
Please include sales tax as applicable and allow 10
percent or a minimum charge of 85 cents for mail-
ing. REVIEW AND HERALD PUBLISHING ASSO-
CIATION, 6856 Eastern Avenue NW., Washington,
D.C. 20012.
(
::;11:
DAYBREAK
6;
:-.
\
SERIES
Adult Sabbath School Lessons (USPS 702-480)/No. 344/April-June, 1981
Conen[
-
s
1. The Church Fallen and Redeemed
2. Then Jesus Came
3. Coming Again
4. Why Coming Again?
5. Enemies of the Church
6. Hope of the Race
7. Life for Death
8. One Thousand Years—Of What?
9. Divine Justice—With Love
10. The New Creation
11. Eternal Life for the Church
12. The Church's Spiritual Resources
13. Life's Real Meaning
The Adult Sabbath School Lessons are prepared by the Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists. The preparation of the lessons
is directed by a worldwide Sabbath School Lesson Committee, the members of which
serve as consulting editors.
Editorial Office: 6840 Eastern Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20012
Lesson Author: E. E. Cleveland
Editor: Gordon M. Hyde
Editorial Secretary: Florence L. Wetmore
Circulation Manager: Art Mazat
Art and Design: Pacific Press
Cover by John Steel, © 1973 PPPA
Adult Sabbath School Lesson (standard edition). Published quarterly by Pacific
Press Publishing Association, 1350 Villa Street, Mountain View, California 94042,
U.S.A. One year subscription in U.S.A., $2.40; single copy, 60 cents. One year sub-
scription to countries outside U.S.A., $3.20; single copy, 80 cents. All prices at U.S.A.
exchange. Second-class postage paid at Mountain View, California 94042, U.S.A.
When a change of address is desired, please send both old and new addresses.
Copyright © 1981 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
So often we fail because Vve try to solve
our problems in our own way.
When we trust in God and study His
Word daily, we can be confident of
victory over the perplexities of this world
and have a home in the life to come.
THE CHURCH HOME AT LAST
Introduction
The establishment and triumph of the church—when she will be "home at last'—is
linked directly with the coming of Christ in history and is foretold in prophecy.
In history Christ established the church to be His mouthpiece to the world both in
Old and New Testament times. Originally Christ would visit Eden to communicate
with the human family. Sin put an end to this face-to-face communication between
God and man. In the intervening years. the law and the prophets became God's
medium of expression.
Nearly 4000 years passed as the world inched closer to the first coming of Jesus.
Angels would make the glad announcement. God in Christ would once more com-
mune with man face-to-face. This would neither abolish the law nor negate the
prophets. They would continue as instruments of instruction, but would yield to the
glory of the law's Author and the prophets' Mentor. Men would for 33 brief years be
brought face-to-face with the substance of the messages of the law and prophets.
The latter were and are in a sense substitute teachers. They are but a pale reflection of
the real. Jesus Christ is the key to both history and prophecy. Compared to Him, the
law and the prophets were but satellites about the sun.
When Christ ascended on high, the Holy Spirit assumed the primary teaching
function for the church and the world (John 16:13). The church is His medium of
personal communication. The church may involve herself in many things, but she can
best serve her Master when she is preaching the gospel.
It is the carrying out of this divine commission that brings the church under fire.
Satan hates the gospel, by whose knowledge men are saved. The church is the one
institution that stands between Satan and his complete takeover of this planet. His
plan therefore calls for its destruction.
The pages of history are red with the blood of Christian martyrs. Christians were
used as flaming torches at the fun games of the Circus Maximus. But the "blood of
martyrs is the seed of the church.
-
The sword did not succeed.
But Satan would subvert what he could not
execute.
He entered church councils,
perverted church doctrines, and'in many instances produced a love of ease and lack
of fervor.
Demons love nothing better than to mute the voice of Christian witness. If God can't
be heard, He can more easily be misrepresented. Men must be told of the love of God.
They must be taught the
Bible
way of life. Christians must understand why God must
destroy sinners. The church must carry to a hopeless world a message of hope. The
gospel is essential to the enrichment of life
here
and
hereafter.
Men must know this
now,
for the end is
near.
The devil knew 1900 years ago that he had but a "short time."
He is working day and night to abort the church's mission by confusing her priorities
and watering down her message. But in all of this he is doomed to failure. The power
of God will
anoint the church.
She will arise as a giant, stirring from slumber; and she
will finish her God-given task. The world will be made aware of the love of God. The
prophecies will be fulfilled. The gates of hell will not prevail!
7
The Church Fallen and Redeemed
LESSON 1
❑
Sunday
March 29
Part 1
How does God early reveal His deep interest in man's wel-
MEETING fare, an interest supremely manifested in the incarnation?
MAN'S NEED
"The Lord God said, It is not good that the man should be
alone; I will make him an help meet for him" (Gen. 2:18).
"God made from the man a woman, to be a companion and
helpmeet for him, to be one with him, to cheer, encourage, and
bless him, he in his turn to be her strong helper. All who enter
into matrimonial relations with a holy purpose—the husband to
obtain the pure affections of a woman's heart, the wife to soften
and improve her husband's character and give it completeness
—fulfill God's purpose for them."—The
Adventist Home,
p. 99.
In anticipation of man's greater need, what agreement to
send Jesus was made before the Creation? Note the implica-
tion in Revelation 13:8.
"God and Christ knew from the beginning, of the apostasy of
Satan and of the fall of Adam through the deceptive power of the
apostate."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 250.
"Before the foundations of the world were laid, Christ, the
Only Begotten of God, pledged Himself to become the Re-
deemer of the human race, should Adam sin. Adam fell, and He
who was partaker of the Father's glory before the world was,
laid aside His royal robe and kingly crown, and stepped down
from His high authority to become a Babe in Bethlehem, that by
passing over the ground where Adam stumbled and fell, He
might redeem fallen human beings."—Selected
Messages,
bk.
1, p. 226.
When he was created, did man have any inherent or built-in
liabilities? Gen. 1:31; Ps. 8:4, 5.
"This sinless pair wore no artificial garments. They were
clothed with a covering of light and glory, such as the angels
wear. While they lived in obedience to God, this circle of light
enshrouded them. Although everything God had made was in
the perfection of beauty, and there seemed nothing wanting
upon the earth which God had created to make Adam and Eve
happy, yet he manifested his great love to them by planting a
garden especially for
them."—Spiritual Gifts,
vol. 3, p. 34.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can God's precious provisions for man's needs, before and
after his sin, lead me to trust Him for my special needs?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
p. 253;
Testimonies, vol.
1, p. 545; vol.
4, p. 264;
Testimonies to Ministers,
p. 97;
Education,
p. 28.
10
The Church Fallen and Redeemed
LESSON 1
❑
Tuesday
March 31
Part 3
THE BURDEN
OF DISOBEDIENCE
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
What were the basic, crucial consequences of man's first
disobedience to God?
"Wherefore, as by one man sin entered into the world, and
death by sin; and so death passed upon all men, for that all
have sinned" (Rom. 5:12).
"Through man's disobedience, death entered the world.
Adam ate of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, the fruit
of which he had been forbidden to touch. His transgression
opened the floodgates of woe upon our race."—Ellen G. White
Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary, vol.
7, p. 988.
What is the way of escape from the fate that awaits all who
sin? Rom. 6:23. (Compare Rom. 8:1; 10:1-6.)
"By this law, which governs angels, which demands purity in
the most secret thoughts, desires, and dispositions, and which
shall 'stand fast for ever' (Ps. 111:8), all the world is to be judged
in the rapidly approaching day of God. Transgressors may flat-
ter themselves that the Most High does not know, that the
Almighty does not consider; He will not always bear with them.
Soon they will receive the reward of their doings, the death that
is the wages of sin; while the righteous nation, that have kept
the law, will be ushered through the pearly gates of the celestial
city, and will be crowned with immortal life and joy in the
presence of God and the
Lamb."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p.
220.
The human heart recoils at the thought of judgment, con-
demnation, punishment. Some would strip the gospel of this
aspect of God's character. They cannot understand how a lov-
ing God could destroy sinners in a lake of fire. They cannot
understand the nature of sin. Sin is by its very nature divisive. It
separates man from God. If it continued to exist, might it not
ultimately unseat divine authority. Jehovah will allow neither.
Sin must be blotted from this planet. Anything that separates
God from man is a violation of His love. This He cannot allow.
"Christ must be Lord of all if He is to be Lord at all." Hellfire is
prepared for the devil and his angels (Matt. 25:41). It will involve
people only as they choose to be sinners.
Have I come to the place in my Christian experience where I
would rather die than sin? (See
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 53;
Messages to Young People,
p. 74.)
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 61;
Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 365; vol.
4, p. 293;
The Sanctified Life,
p. 67;
Fundamentals of Christian
Education,
p. 234.
12
The Church Fallen and Redeemed
LESSON 1
❑
Wednesday
April 1
Part 4
SAVIOUR
FROM SIN
For what supreme purpose was Jesus born into our world?
"She shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name
JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins" (Matt.
1:21).
"Christ gave Himself, an atoning sacrifice, for the saving of a
lost world. He was treated as we deserve, in order that we might
be treated as He deserves. He was condemned for our sins, in
which He had no share, that we might be justified by His righ-
teousness, in which we had no share. He suffered the death
which was ours, that we might receive the life which was His.
'With His stripes we are healed.' Isaiah
53:5."—Testimonies,
vol.
8, pp. 208, 209.
What would His life and death accomplish? Heb. 10:12.
(Compare Rom. 5:9, 10.)
"This was He whom seers had long foretold. He was the
Desire of all nations, the Root and the Offspring of David, and
the Bright and Morning Star. The name of that helpless little
babe, inscribed in the roll of Israel, declaring Him our brother,
was the hope of fallen humanity."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 52.
The coming of Christ to this world was to accomplish many
purposes. Can you add to the following?
1.
He was to reveal the true character of God, distorted by
Satan's warpings of truth.
2.
He was to live without yielding to temptation, though
tempted as we are.
3.
He was to suffer the "second death," as though an unre-
deemed sinner.
4.
He was to rise from the dead, victorious over sin, death, and
the devil.
5.
He earned the right to become our mediating High Priest.
Man needs to know his possibilities and limitations. Christ
came to demonstrate in the flesh that Adam need never have
sinned. In Him there was no sinful propensity, yet He "was in all
points tempted like as we are" (Heb. 4:15). Christ succeeded
where Adam failed, and He did it for Adam and for us!
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I accepted fully and personally Christ's atonement for
my sins?
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels on Health,
p. 222;
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 121; vol. 8,
p. 202;
The Desire of Ages,
p. 52;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The
Pearl," p. 116.
13
ar
.6.
LESSON 2 April 5-11
20 Then Jesus C me
"The sceptre shall not depart from
Judah, nor a lawgiver from
between
feet, until Shiloh come; and unto
him shall the gathering of the people
be" (Gen. 49:10).
Jehovah was under no obligation,
legal or otherwise, to save guilty
humans. Had He chosen to blot out
the first guilty pair, justice would
have been content. But to do this
would have violated something basic
in God's character. His nature, His
character is love, and this alone
spared man. To have cleared the
guilty without providing a substitute
would have undercut the validity of
law. From our viewpoint, we can
now say, To save humans, God, the
Creator, must become a human, ac-
cept all human guilt, and demon-
strate that the will of God may be
perfectly done in human flesh under
conditions most extreme. For his
part, the man must accept by faith
the sacrifice of Christ for his sins
and freely submit to the disciplines
of the divine law of love as evidence
of his salvation.
In a special sense, mankind was
made in the image of God. He is
unique in his creation among all
other created beings. God would
not take lightly the loss of an entire
class of created beings. That He
would sacrifice Himself for one sin-
ner provides an estimate of His love.
In this act of God's love He was
threatened with a loss that could
have been eternal. The risk was real.
ANDERSON, ARTIST, © 1963 PPPA
This was no passion play. This was
the
real thing.
Christ—God with
us—put His throne on the line. He
could have lost it. He could have
failed. To our limited understanding,
He could at least have been barred
from the throne room of God
forever!
This fact alone makes His first ad-
vent meaningful to man. It gives
evidence of His love. So for 33 years
God would tabernacle with man as a
man. He would fight temptation with
the same weapons that are available
to us. He would demonstrate in His
life that God's law can be obeyed by
born-again man. And by His death
He would certify that His law cannot
be changed. He would meet the
enemy in the wilderness and three
times turn him back. He would chal-
lenge Satan at Gergesa and put him
to flight in a herd of swine. He
would die as a criminal but rise as a
King, and some 2000 years after His
ascension men would exclaim in
ecstasy, "Blessed is he that cometh
in the name of the Lord" (Luke
13:35).
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Promised One
(Isa. 9:6)
2.
No Room
(Luke 2:7)
3.
Peace to Men
(Luke 2:9, 13, 14)
4.
Saved to Save
(Matt. 2:16)
5.
His Blood Avails
(Gal. 2:20)
6.
Newness of Life
(Rom. 6:3, 4)
Then Jesus Came
LESSON 2
❑
Monday
April 6
Part 2
NO ROOM
THINK IT THROUGH
What reception did Joseph and Mary get at the inn?
"There was no room for them in the inn" (Luke
2:7).
"With amazement the heavenly messengers beheld the indif-
ference of that people whom God had called to communicate to
the world the light of sacred truth.... The priests and teachers
of the nation knew not that the greatest event of the ages was
about to take place. They rehearsed their meaningless prayers,
and performed the rites of worship to be seen by men, but in
their strife for riches and worldly honor they were not prepared
for the revelation of the Messiah."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 44.
All hotels at Bethlehem were crowded when Joseph and Mary
sought lodging. They were turned away. Had the innkeepers
known the true identity of the Babe that Mary carried, would
they not have made room? All Israel looked forward to the birth
of the Messiah. The honor of having housed the Deliverer in
one's hotel at His birth would be significant as a fact of history
and an aid to business.
Perhaps there was a divine hand in it all. Being born in a
manger, Christ consented to the lowest of earthly environ-
ments. No man can now claim that the Master does not under-
stand poverty and humble circumstances. He is not out of touch
with any level of human need. He has experienced it all and is
therefore able to understand and anticipate every need.
Under what circumstances was Jesus born? Luke 2:7, first
part.
"Born amidst surroundings the rudest, sharing a peasant's
home, a peasant's fare, a craftsman's occupation, living a life of
obscurity, identifying Himself with the world's unknown
toilers,—amidst these conditions and surround ings,—Jesus
followed the divine plan of education. The schools of His times,
with their magnifying of things small and their belittling of
things great, He did not seek. His education was gained directly
from the Heaven-appointed sources; from useful work, from the
study of the Scriptures and of nature, and from the experiences
of life—God's lesson books, full of instruction to all who bring to
them the willing hand, the seeing eye, and the understanding
heart."—Education, p.
77.
Is it possible that I today, like the innkeepers approached by
Joseph, can be blinded by a lack of spiritual discernment as to
the true identity of the One who is knocking at the door of my
heart?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 63;
Education,
p.
77; Selected Mes-
sages,
bk. 1, p. 223.
19
Then Jesus Came
LESSON 2
❑
Tuesday
April 7
Part 3
While shepherds tended their flocks, what startling scene
PEACE broke upon their visions?
TO MEN
"Lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of
the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.
... And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the
heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the
highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men" (Luke 2:9,
13, 14).
"At these words, visions of glory fill the minds of the listening
shepherds. The Deliverer has come to Israel! Power, exaltation,
triumph, are associated with His coming. But the angel must
prepare them to recognize their Saviour in poverty and humilia-
tion. . . .
"The heavenly messenger had quieted their fears. He had told
them how to find Jesus. With tender regard for their human
weakness, he had given them time to become accustomed to
the divine radiance. Then the joy and glory could no longer be
hidden."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 47, 48.
Under what circumstances were the wise men of the East
alerted? Matt. 2:2.
"The wise men had seen a mysterious light in the heavens
upon that night when the glory of God flooded the hills of
Bethlehem. . . . That star was a distant company of shining
angels, but of this the wise men were ignorant. Yet they were
impressed that the star was of special import to them.... The
prophecy of Balaam had declared, 'There shall come a Star out
of Jacob, and a Scepter shall rise out of Israel.' Num. 24:17.
Could this strange star have been sent as a harbinger of the
Promised One? The magi had welcomed the light of heaven-
sent truth; now it was shed upon them in brighter rays. Through
dreams they were instructed to go in search of the newborn
Prince."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 60.
The importance which Heaven attached to this grand event is
evidenced by the angel band that was its forerunner. The Word
was being made flesh to dwell among us. God identified Himself
with mankind by becoming mankind's kin. And throughout end-
less ages, Christ will carry His human body as a badge of His
victory. The scars of His crucifixion will be visible eternally. A
great and effectual door is thus opened to us.
THINK IT THROUGH
Christ's first advent found ancient Israel unprepared for His
coming. Will His second advent find us, Laodicean Israel,
equally unprepared for His return?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 48, 49;
Selected Messages,
bk. 1, pp.
226, 227;
The Great Controversy,
pp. 313, 314.
20
Then Jesus Came
LESSON 2
❑
Wednesday
April 8
Part 4
SAVED
TO SAVE
Whom do you hold accountable for Herod's cruel reaction?
"Then Herod, when he saw that he was mocked of the wise
men, was exceeding wroth, and sent forth, and slew all the
children that were in Bethlehem, and in all the coasts thereof,
from two years old and under, according to the time which he
had diligently enquired of the wise men" (Matt. 2:16).
"This calamity the Jews had brought upon themselves. If they
had been walking in faithfulness and humility before God, He
would in a signal manner have made the wrath of the king
harmless to them."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 65.
How does the first advent affect our salvation? Heb. 10:10-
12; Rom. 5:15.
"This glorious Being loved the poor sinner and took upon
Himself the form of a servant, that He might suffer and die in
man's behalf. Jesus might have remained at His Father's right
hand, wearing His kingly crown and royal robes. But He chose
to exchange all the riches, honor, and glory of heaven for the
poverty of humanity, and His station of high command for the
horrors of Gethsemane and the humiliation and agony of Cal-
vary. He became a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief,
that by His baptism of suffering and blood He might purify and
redeem a guilty world. 'Lo, I come,' was the joyful assent, 'to do
Thy will,
0
My
God.
-
-Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 121.
Why did Christ's own disciples misunderstand His mission?
Matt. 20:21-23.
Groaning under the yoke of Rome, the disciples shared with
all Jews the hope of a temporal kingdom and a Messiah who
would come and depose the Roman master. Israel would then
come into her own. James and John wished to be partners in
this glory.
Christ sought to open their eyes to the true nature of His
kingdom. "Are ye able to drink the cup?" He asked. "We are
able," they answered (Matt. 20:22). Had He answered their
mother's petition and their own, there at the crucifixion James
would have hung on one cross and John on the other instead of
the two thieves. But their request was not wholly unanswered.
James was beheaded and John suffered longest of all the disci-
ples for the name of the Lord. It was difficult for them—until
after the resurrection—to understand that Christ's coming
would deliver the world from satanic bondage.
THINK IT THROUGH
To what extent does Hebrews 2:3 actuate my day-to-day
living?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pp. 31-38.
21
Then Jesus Came
LESSON 2
❑
Thursday
April 9
Part 5
What did the life of Christ demonstrate as to our potential?
HIS BLOOD
AVAILS
"I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but
Christ liveth in me: and the life which I now live in the flesh I
live by the faith of the Son of God, who loved me, and gave
himself for me" (Gal. 2:20).
"Christ came in human form to show the inhabitants of the
unfallen worlds and of the fallen world that ample provision has
been made to enable human beings to live in loyalty to their
Creator."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 227.
Christ did not take advantage of His divine nature in resisting
evil. He fought temptation with the same spiritual weapons that
are available to us. He thus demonstrated that sin may be over-
come. With this example we are moved to believe, attempt, and
persevere! The Holy Spirit, who wrought in Him the purposes of
God, will grant us strength for weakness, hope for despair,
shelter in the time of storm, ever pointing us to the unfailing
adequacy of the merits of Jesus Christ.
What did His death provide? 1 John 1:9.
The believers who lived before the cross were given the sacri-
ficial system to remind them that Messiah would come. Those
who lived after the cross partake of the Lord's Supper as a
reminder that Messiah has come. For those who lived before the
cross and after, the remedy was the same—namely, faith. Both
the ordinances and the sacrificial system were given to educate
and strengthen our faith. For it is still true as ever that "the just
shall live by faith."
In this Christ demonstrated to us that in Him we experience a
perfection otherwise alien to our nature and state. When we by
faith embrace Christ as Lord and Saviour, He confers on us the
absolute perfection that is His. And this while we are yet imper-
fect. Our new "wholeness" is the fruitage of faith in Christ.
There occurs in further consequence a healing of the attitude
which produces disciplined behavior.
"Every dying victim was a type of Christ, which lesson was
impressed on mind and heart in the most solemn, sacred cere-
mony, and explained definitely by the priests. Sacrifices were
explicitly planned by God Himself to teach this great and
momentous truth, that through the blood of Christ alone there is
forgiveness of
sins."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p. 107.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can I demonstrate that I have been "crucified with
Christ"?
FURTHER STUDY
Medical Ministry,
p. 203;
Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 317;
The De-
sire of Ages,
pp. 390, 391.
22
Then Jesus Came
LESSON 2
❑
Friday
April 10
Part 6
What measure of strength and victory is available to us
NEWNESS through Christ's death?
OF LIFE
"Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into
Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? Therefore we are
buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was
raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we
also should walk in newness of life" (Rom. 6:3, 4).
Dare we, in this life, be assured of life in the hereafter?
1 Cor. 15:19; Heb. 11:13, 16.
"So those who had been raised [in conjunction with Christ's
resurrection] were to be presented to the universe as a pledge of
the resurrection of all who believe in Christ as their personal
Saviour. The same power that raised Christ from the dead will
raise His church, and glorify it with Christ, as His bride, above all
principalities, above all powers, above every name that is
named, not only in this world, but also in the heavenly courts,
the world above. The victory of the sleeping saints will be glori-
ous on the morning of the resurrection. Satan's triumph will
end, while Christ will triumph in glory and honor. The Life-giver
will crown with immortality all who come forth from the
grave."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 1, p. 305, 306.
Christians die differently from other people, for their view of
death is brightened with hope of life in the hereafter. For this
same reason they live differently.
Death is not the end of life for saint or sinner. Each must face
his own hereafter. And that hereafter has some influence on his
behavior here.
For the Christian, this life is a practice "run" as men and
women prepare to live with angels. This expectation is a source
of joy here and an enrichment of the present experience. We
sacrifice nothing vital to life here as we long for a better world
than this. Life can be rather hectic here, and the burden is made
lighter by the hope of a better world to come.
How limited was the Old Testament era in its understanding
of the hope of the "blood of the lamb"? 2 Cor. 3:13-15.
"As Moses saw the day of Christ, and the new and living way
of salvation that was to be opened through His blood, he was
captivated and entranced."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary, vol.
1, p. 1110.
THINK IT THROUGH
How does my life impress others as to where my treasure
really is? (See Matt. 6:21).
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 194; vol. 4, pp. 40, 41.
23
Coming Again
LESSON 3
❑
Monday
April 13
Part 2
"SHALL SO
COME"
With what words did angels announce to the apostles the
specific promise of Christ's return?
"Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven?
this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall
so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven"
(Acts 1:11).
"Upon reaching the Mount of Olives, Jesus led the way across
the summit, to the vicinity of Bethany. Here He paused, and the
disciples gathered about Him. . . . With hands outstretched in
blessing, and as if in assurance of His protecting care, He slowly
ascended from among them, drawn heavenward by a power
stronger than any earthly attraction. As He passed upward, the
awestricken disciples looked with straining eyes for the last
glimpse of their ascending Lord. A cloud of glory hid Him from
their sight; and the words came back to them as the cloudy
chariot of angels received Him, 'Lo, I am with you alway, even
unto the end of the world.' At the same time there floated down
to them the sweetest and most joyous music from the angel
choir."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 830, 831.
Angels announced the first coming of Christ as a Babe in
Bethlehem. Music accompanied the ascension. It is appropriate
that angels will announce the second coming of the Lord amid
the "sweetest and most joyous music." Our Lord's return will be
for the saints a cause of great rejoicing, for it will come at a time
of dire peril and persecution. His followers will then desire His
coming with a desperation that defies description. The tame
"longing" of this Laodicean era will be replaced with a passion
that aches. Then only will the Lord return.
What predicted actions of the Lord clearly indicate angel
participation in the second coming? Matt. 25:31.
"When the divine Presence was manifested upon Sinai, the
glory of the Lord was like devouring fire in the sight of all Israel.
But when Christ shall come in glory with His holy angels the
whole earth shall be ablaze with the terrible light of His
presence. . . . 'The Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven
with His mighty angels, in flaming fire taking vengeance on
them that know not God, and that obey not the gospel.' 2 Thes-
salonians 1:7,
8."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 339, 340.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is it more important to me that I will be living when Christ
comes or that I will be ready when He comes?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
p. 832;
The Great Controversy,
p. 301.
27
3-A.L. 2-81
Coming Again
LESSON 3
❑
Tuesday
April 14
Part 3
"A PLACE
FOR YOU"
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
How tightly did Christ tie the assurance of His return to the
reality of His departure?
"Let not your heart be troubled: ye believe in God, believe
also in me. In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were
not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and
receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be
also" (John 14:1-3).
"In that day, as in the time of Jerusalem's destruction, God's
people will be delivered, everyone that shall be found written
among the living. Isaiah 4:3. Christ has declared that He will
come the second time to gather His faithful ones to Himself:
'Then shall all the tribes of the earth mourn, and they shall see
the Son of man coming in the clouds of heaven with power and
great glory. And He shall send His angels with a great sound of a
trumpet, and they shall gather together His elect from the four
winds, from one end of heaven to the other.' Matthew 24:30,
31."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 37.
Through the revelation of John, what element of urgency
does Christ add to the promise of His return? Rev. 22:7,12, 20.
"Behold, I come quickly," the Master said. He has not chosen
to reveal the day or the hour, but it is near at hand. Of course, we
realize that Christians of every generation were taught to expect
the Lord's return in their own time.
But there are special evidences that this is the last generation.
Has not nuclear capacity increased to the point that man may
now destroy himself? Has the pollution of nature passed the
point of no return? Is human society corrupting itself to a point
of self-destruction? Is not this the end of "the age of man"?
"You must be wrestlers for the crown of life. Strive, for the
grasp of Satan is upon you; and if you do not wrench yourselves
from him, you will be palsied and ruined. The foe is on the right
hand, and on the left, before you, and behind you; and you must
trample him under your feet. Strive, for there is a crown to be
won. Strive, for if you win not the crown, you lose everything in
this life and in the future life. Strive, but let it be in the strength of
your risen
Saviour."—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
p.
137.
If I am making spiritual preparation for Christ's return during
"the time of the end," does it automatically follow that I will be
prepared at the end of time?
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 34;
Gospel Workers,
p. 259;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Shall Not God Avenge His Own?" p.
179.
28
Coming Again
LESSON 3
❑
Friday
April 17
Part 6
How may the lukewarmness of soul of the Laodiceans be
"BUY OF ME" overcome?
"I counsel thee to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that thou
mayest be rich; and white raiment, that thou mayest be
clothed, and that the shame of thy nakedness do not appear;
and anoint thine eyes with eyesalve, that thou mayest see"
(Rev. 3:18).
Nothing short of personal response to God's pleadings can
shake the Laodicean lethargy that now grips the saints. "Buy of
me gold." This speaks of a priceless personal experience with
Christ that improves with testing. "White raiment" is the charac-
ter of Christ with which we are to be clothed. "Eyesalve" is the
wisdom of the Holy Spirit which deepens spiritual insight.
"Buy of me" and "anoint thine eyes" are action phrases.
Inspired by the Spirit, we must take those initiatives that will
invoke the power of God in our behalf. Christ-motivated action
is one of man's most effective forms of prayer.
' What wise counsel from Amos can challenge those living in
the last days? Amos 4:12.
"In this age, just prior to the second coming of Christ in the
clouds of heaven, such a work as that of John [the Baptist] is to
be done. God calls for men who will prepare a people to stand in
the great day of the Lord.... Our message must be as direct as
was the message of John. He rebuked kings for their iniquity.
Notwithstanding that his life was imperiled, he did not hesitate
to declare God's word. And our work in this age must be done as
faithfully."—Testimonies, vol. 8, p. 332.
What timely advice concerning last-day needs of the church
does Jesus give? Luke 21:34, 36.
"The word of God has been neglected. In that are the warn-
ings to God's people which point out their dangers. But they
have had so many cares and perplexities that they hardly allow
themselves time to pray. There has been a mere empty form
without the power. Jesus prayed, and, oh, how earnest were His
prayers! And yet He was the beloved Son of God!
"If Jesus manifested so much earnestness, so much energy
and agony, how much more need for those whom He has called
to be heirs of salvation."—Testimonies,
vol.
1, p. 151.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there a difference between living in and being a part of the
Laodicean era and being a Laodicean?
FURTHER STUDY
Gospel
Workers,
p. 419;
Prophets and Kings,
p. 188;
Tes-
timonies,
vol. 2, p. 36; vol. 4, p. 37.
31
~'
~r
LESSON 4 April 19-25
4. Why Corning A aiin?
"1 go to prepare a place for you.
And if I go and prepare a place for
you, I will come again, and receive
you unto myself; that where I am,
there ye may be also" (John 14:2, 3).
The love of God ensures the re-
turn of Christ to this earth. The
Bridegroom will not leave His
church bride waiting at the altar. The
Creator cannot be forever separated
from his crowning creation. The
present state of earth's inhabitants
must yield to a new world order.
The original state of man and nature
will be restored. The promise of His
coming embraces all of this. With
John we might well pray, "Even so,
come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).
Sin cannot be permitted either, as
RENNINGS, ARTIST, © 1948 PPPA
an eternal beachhead in the uni-
verse. Ultimately, creation can only
know security when the sin question
is settled. For God to remain God
anywhere, He must be God
everywhere. There can be no peace-
ful coexistence with evil. Detente
between Christ and Satan is impos-
sible. There is no peaceful solution.
Unlike human statesmen and gen-
erals, God has an infinite love for
those who regard Him as their
enemy. He also sees how every fact
and incident is related to every other
one, in the past, present, or future.
He is patiently working out the sin
problem in a manner that will be
seen to be wholly in harmony with
His character.
Christ is now dealing with the sin
problem in the most holy place of
the heavenly sanctuary. This work
will soon be finished. He will then
confront sin on its home grounds.
Heaven will release its unmixed fury
on the heads of the unsaved. The
rebellion will be stamped out. Sin
must be eradicated. Christ must
come!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
"And Receive You"
(John 14:3; 2 Peter 3:10)
2.
"Distress of Nations"
(Luke
21:25, 26)
3.
The Defiled Earth
(Isa. 24:5, 6)
4.
"God Is judge"
(Ps. 50:3-6)
5.
"That Wicked" Destroyed
(2 Thess. 2:8)
6.
Song of Moses and the Lamb
(Rev. 15:3)
Why Coming Again?
LESSON 4
❑
Monday
April 20
Part 2
What solution to sin's harvest is there, other than the return
"DISTRESS of Christ to establish His kingdom here?
OF NATIONS"
"There shall be signs in the sun, and in the moon, and in the
stars; and upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity;
the sea and the waves roaring; men's hearts failing them for
fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on
the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken" (Luke
21:25, 26).
"Those who are watching for the Lord are purifying their
souls by obedience to the truth. With vigilant watching they
combine earnest working. Because they know that the Lord is at
the door, their zeal is quickened to co-operate with the divine
intelligences in working for the salvation of souls. These are the
faithful and wise servants who give to the Lord's household
'their portion of meat in due season.' Luke 12:42. They are
declaring the truth that is now specially applicable. As Enoch,
Noah, Abraham, and Moses each declared the truth for his time,
so will Christ's servants now give the special warning for their
generation."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 634.
Is the secular world really aware that Christ will return?
Luke 21:35.
"The day is at hand when the destiny of every soul will be fixed
forever. This day of the Lord hastens on apace. The false
watchmen are raising the cry, 'All is well'; but the day of God is
rapidly approaching. Its footsteps are so muffled that it does not
arouse the world from the deathlike slumber into which it has
fallen. While the watchmen cry, 'Peace and safety,' sudden
destruction cometh upon them,' and they shall not escape'; 'for
as a snare shall it come on all them that dwell on the face of the
whole earth.' It overtakes the pleasure-lover and the sinful man
as a thief in the night. When all is apparently secure, and men
retire to contented rest, then the prowling, stealthy, midnight
thief steals upon his prey. When it is too late to prevent the evil, it
is discovered that some door or window was not secured. 'Be ye
also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not the Son of man
cometh.'
"—Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pp. 335,
336.
THINK IT THROUGH
What have I done today to witness to others of my faith that
Christ will soon return? (See
Christian Service,
p. 168.)
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 260;
Early Writings,
p. 71;
Tes-
timonies,
vol. 9, p. 25.
35
Why Coming Again?
LESSON 4
❑
Tuesday
April 21
Part 3
THE DEFILED
EARTH
THINK IT THROUGH
What description of the effects of sin upon the earth does
Isaiah give that has further application to our own time?
"The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof;
because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordi-
nance, broken the everlasting covenant. Therefore hath the
curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are
desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned,
and few men left" (Isa. 24:5, 6).
"The earth also is defiled.
God is holy. He gave His law to
keep men pure and the world undefiled. By rejecting that law,
men defile both themselves and the world in which they live. The
contagion of sin has infected the very ground beneath our feet,
the food we eat, the water we drink, and the air we breathe (see
Gen. 3:17; Num. 35:33; Ps. 107:34). With every passing year the
earth becomes more and more corrupt. If God were not to
intervene, the time would come when the defilement of sin
would so debase the human race as to make life itself utterly
impossible (see Gen. 6:5, 11, 12; DA 36,
37)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 197.
Is Heaven restless for the final act in the drama? Rev. 7:1-3.
"With almost impatient eagerness the angels wait for our
co-operation; for man must be the channel to communicate
with man. And when we give ourselves to Christ in
wholehearted devotion, angels rejoice that they may speak
through our voices to reveal God's love."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 297.
What do we see in the world about us to indicate that the
experiment with sin is well-nigh over?
"We see calamities of every kind and in every degree coming
upon the earth, and why? The Lord's restraining power is not
exercised. The world has disregarded the word of God. They live
as though there were no God. Like the inhabitants of the
Noachic world, they refuse to have any thought of God. Wick-
edness prevails to an alarming extent, and the earth is ripe for
the
harvest."—Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 389.
Read Jeremiah 8:20. Will I be so spiritually prepared that I
will have no need to utter this in the final day? God grant that I
will.
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pp. 36, 44;
The Great Controversy,
pp. 627,
628.
36
LESSON 5 April 26 to May 2
5. Enemies
f t e Church
". . . Then out of the sea I saw a
beast rising. It had ten horns and
seven heads. On its horns were ten
diadems, and on each head a blas-
phemous name" (Rev. 13:1 NEB).
Christ spoke of "the gates of hell"
as an enemy that would not prevail
against the church. This phrase en-
compasses the sum total of the
enemies who would war against the
people of God. The people of God
have literally had to bleed their way
through 6000 years of human his-
tory. But they have survived. The
blood of martyrs is indeed the seed
of the church, and Christ is now
known wherever people walk the
earth. Suffering is the price the
Christian must pay for the sin ex-
perience. It tempers the character
for the glories of the world to come.
With God on her side, the church
will triumph.
Christianity is a spiritual system
requiring the first allegiance and
best service of its adherents. It suf-
fers least in lands where the human
form of government is least au-
thoritarian. Christians living under
authoritarian forms of government in
any age have been forced to make
tragic choices.
To the three Hebrew worthies
confronted by Nebuchadnezzar's
commands, decision did not come
easily. They risked death by fire
rather than yield God's claims on
their consciences. The gates of hell
did not prevail.
Daniel, confronted by the signed
N. WILKINSON, ARTIST; © WIDE WORLD
decree of an absolute monarch, had
a decision to make. Would he yield
to the 30-day injunction of the Per-
sian king or stand firm for principle
and face a den of hungry, angry
lions? He took his chances on the
side of the kingdom of God and
prevailed.
Even in the best and most demo-
cratic countries, forces often con-
spire to make it hard for the Chris-
tian. One's freedom to observe the
Sabbath may be threatened by the
demands of one's employer. Often
hard choices must be made. One's
marriage partner often becomes the
medium of pressures against his
faith. Again cruel choices may be
necessitated.
Evil forces will harrass the church
as long as it is on the earth, but they
need not prevail over the Christian
individually or the church collec-
tively. Christ, the King of heaven,
will soon assert His authority in the
earth. Until then we are safe only in
the center of His will.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Leopardlike Beast
(Rev. 13:1, 2)
2.
Changing Times and Laws
(Dan.
7:25)
3.
Years, Months, and Days
(Dan. 7:25)
4.
Like a Lamb—As a Dragon
(Rev. 13:11-14)
5.
Miracle-working Spirits of Devils
(Rev. 16:14)
6.
Help in Trouble
(Ps. 46:1, 2)
Enemies of the Church
LESSON 5
❑
Sunday
April 26
Part 1
What indication might the early Christian church have had
THE
in John's revelation that trouble for the church lurked just
LEOPARD- ahead?
LIKE BEAST
"I saw a beast coming out of the sea. He had ten horns and
seven heads, with ten crowns on his horns, and on each head
a blasphemous name. The beast I saw resembled a leopard,
but had feet like those of a bear and a mouth like that of a lion.
The dragon gave the beast his power and his throne and great
authority" (Rev. 13:1, 2, NIV).
In the series of worldly powers represented in Revelation 13,
the total span of the Christian era is covered by the dragon
(verse 2), the leopardlike beast (verse 1), and the lamblike beast
(verse 11). It is worthy of note that the leopardlike beast receives
his power from the dragon as its power rises, and from the
lamblike power as its power wanes. The beast's restoration,
aided by the lamblike power is such that all the world wonders
after the beast and is urged to bow to his authority on pain of
hunger and death itself (verses 15-18).
If the early church had no clear picture of what was coming in
these persecuting powers, it knew that the dragon power had
nothing but hostility toward those who, through the grace of
Christ, were obedient to the commandments of God. (See Rev.
13:17.) They were already acquainted with the power of the
dragon.
What further identifying marks of the beast power are pro-
vided, with ominous foreboding for the true church? Rev.
13:5, 6.
"The apostle Paul warned the church not to look for the
coming of Christ in his day. 'That day shall not come,' he says,
'except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be
revealed.' 2 Thessalonians 2:3.... Paul covers with his caution
the whole of the Christian dispensation down to the year 1798. It
is this side of that time that the message of Christ's second
coming is to be proclaimed."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 356.
In the last days a false revival will sweep the land. At the same
time the people of God will experience latter-rain power. How-
ever, the two may be readily distinguished. The false revival will
emphasize natural immortality and Sunday sacredness. The
true revival will teach the commandments of God and the faith
of Jesus. None need be deluded now or ever. The Scriptures
prayerfully searched and humbly obeyed are now and ever will
be a safeguard against error.
THINK IT THROUGH
Read and ponder 2 Thessalonians 2:11, 12.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 439-449.
42
Enemies of the Church
LESSON 5
❑
Wednesday
April 29
Part 4
With what diligence will the image of the beast pursue papal
LIKE A
policy?
LAMB—AS A
DRAGON
"I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth; and he
had two horns like a lamb, and he spake as a dragon. And he
exerciseth all the power of the first beast before him, and
causeth the earth and them which dwell therein to worship the
first beast, whose deadly wound was healed. And he doeth
great wonders ... , and deceiveth them that dwell on the earth
; saying to them that dwell on the earth, that they should
make an image to the beast" (Rev. 13:11-14).
Who can contemplate the triumphal visit of Pope John Paul II
to the United States and other countries in 1979 without think-
ing again of the words of John and of the modern inspired
commentary on those words?
"When the leading churches of the United States, uniting
upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common,
shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain
their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an
image of the Roman hierarchy. . . .
"The beast with two horns 'causeth [commands] all, both
small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark
in their right hand, or in their foreheads.' ... The third angel's
warning is: 'If any man worship the beast and his image, and
receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, the same shall
drink of the wine of the wrath of God.' The beast' mentioned ...
is ... the papacy. The 'image to the beast' represents that form
of apostate Protestantism which will be developed when the
Protestant churches shall seek the aid of the civil power for the
enforcement of their dogmas."—The
Great Controversy,
p.445.
Can these persecuting powers prevail against the saints?
Rev. 14:1, 4.
"In the issue of the contest, all Christendom will be divided
into two great classes—those who keep the commandments of
God and the faith of Jesus, and those who worship the beast and
his image and receive his mark. . . . The prophet of Patmos
beholds 'them that had gotten the victory over the beast, and
over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his
name, stand on the sea of glass, having the harps of God' and
singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. Revelation 15:2,
3."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 450.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is the beast power, which is also a persecuting power,
allowed to afflict God's people?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies to Ministers,
pp. 117, 206;
The Story of Redemp-
tion,
pp. 381, 382.
45
Enemies of the
Church
LESSON 5
❑
Thursday
April 30
Part 5
There are those who feel that the time for the arising of the
MIRACLE-
persecuting powers described by Daniel, Paul, and John, and
WORKING
identified more specifically by Ellen White, has passed. It is said
SPIRITS
that they might have come (or were widely expected) in her early
OF DEVILS
days—but no more. Such things could not happen in today's
world.
Let all contemplate the present-day prominence of the pa-
pacy, the tense national and world conditions, calling for ex-
treme measures "to save the world." Look at the Jesus move-
ments, the rise of the evangelicals, the charismatic movement,
the ecumenical efforts, and the popularity of the occult.
When spiritualism adds its deceptive force to the Protestant
apostasy, will this complete the trinity of deception?
"They are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go
forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to
gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty"
(Rev. 16:14).
"The miracle-working power manifested through spiritualism
will exert its influence against those who choose to obey God
rather than men. Communications from the spirits will declare
that God has sent them to convince the rejecters of Sunday of
their error, affirming that the laws of the land should be obeyed
as the law of God.
They will lament the great wickedness in the
world
and second the testimony of religious teachers that
the
degraded state of morals
is caused by the desecration of Sun-
day. Great will be the indignation excited against all who refuse
to accept their testimony."—The
Great Controversy,
pp. 590,
591. (Emphasis supplied.)
How effective will these combined powers be? Rev. 13:16;
14:18-20; 16:14-16.
Satanism, Protestantism,
and
Catholicism
will be strangely
united in the very end time. By sheer physical force they will
seek to compel the conscience. Many will yield to their blan-
dishments. They have not made Christ their dependency and
truth their anchor. The true Trinity—God the Father, the Son,
and Holy Spirit—are more than a match for the dragon, the
beast, and false prophet.
THINK IT THROUGH
How is spiritualism making not only insidious but even overt
overtures to cause the remnant to be ensnared?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
p. 604;
Prophets and Kings,
p. 189;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 575.
46
c.!
.4 • ,0.1
LESSON 6 May 3-9
6. Hope of the Race
"I say also unto thee, That thou art
Peter, and upon this rock I will build
my church; and the gates of hell shall
not prevail against it" (Matt. 16:18).
Physicians find it difficult to treat
effectively patients who have no will
to live. World leaders view the com-
plex nature of international prob-
lems with perplexity. Hope wanes
that man will ever find solutions to
his many problems. But the Chris-
tian can look beyond the disturbing
present to a hopeful hereafter. He
marches to the beat of a different
drummer. He discerns in the flow of
human affairs a movement toward
climax. He is motivated with Job by
the knowledge that his "redeemer
liveth, and that he shall stand at the
latter day upon the earth" (Job
19:25). Like the sun shining at
noonday, this fact illuminates all
else.
During the long night of American
slavery, a story made the rounds of
the slave quarters that one Moses
had visited Egypt and brought free-
dom to the Hebrew slaves. Hope
stirred faintly in the bosoms of the
benighted that perhaps some mod-
ern Moses would do the same for
them. Their songs reflect that they
pinned their hope on the coming of
Christ. Let us consider a few exam-
ples: "Keep inching along, keep
inching along, Master Jesus is com-
ing by and by." "I looked over Jor-
dan and what did I see? A band of
angels coming after me, coming for
ALAN COLLINS, SCULPTOR
to carry me home." To the enslaved,
Jesus was a "wheel-in-a-wheel, way
in the middle of the air." This hope
of ultimate deliverance fired their
faith and enabled them to endure
the rigors of servitude.
We have placed our faith in many
things as solutions to mankind's ills.
Science, politics, philosophy, and
various forms of humanism have had
their day. None have offered us
hope in the moment of test. Only
the Creator can redeem. Only the
Maker can be our Saviour. Without
the divine Christ of Peter's inspired
testimonial, the gates of hell will
surely prevail against the church and
the world.
Since the sin of Adam, humanity
has been trapped in the prison
house of time. Christ alone can set
us free to enter once again the eter-
nity that was ever His. Mankind has
been in steady retrogression since
the sin of Adam. Christ is the one
last ray of hope of man before the
final plunge to destruction.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Lamb on Zion
(Rev. 14:1)
2.
Gospel of the Kingdom
(Matt. 24:14)
3.
The Woman and Her Seed
(Rev. 12:14, 17)
4.
War With Saints
(Rev. 12:16)
5.
"My Jewels"
(Mal. 3:17)
6.
"This Is Our God"
(Isa. 25:9)
Hope of the Race
LESSON 6
❑
Monday
May 4
Part 2
GOSPEL OF
THE KINGDOM
When the gospel's task is finished, what long-awaited event
will happen?
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the
world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end
come" (Matt. 24:14).
"Long has God waited for the spirit of service to take posses-
sion of the whole church so that everyone shall be working for
Him according to his ability. When the members of the church of
God do their appointed work in the needy fields at home and
abroad, in fulfillment of the gospel commission, the whole
world will soon be warned and the Lord Jesus will return to this
earth with power and great glory."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p.
111
Who can escape the chastisement of the following words?
"Men and women are in the last hours of probation, and yet
are careless and stupid, and ministers have no power to arouse
them; they are asleep themselves. Sleeping preachers preach-
ing to a sleeping
people!"—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 337.
How indeed may we profess with our lips to love the Lord
Jesus—and live only for ourselves. With literature to be distrib-
uted, Bible studies to be given, and with healing, publishing and
teaching ministries to be fulfilled, there is a work for every pair
of hands to do. Inertia cannot be explained in times like these.
Thousands of the saints are sleepwalking in the very shadow of
the eternal world. As individuals we cannot now wait to be told
what must be done. It is our privilege to "work the works" while
it is day.
What other human endeavor can rival the spreading of the
gospel in determining the destiny of the race? Mark 16:16.
The work of the church is to complete the work begun by the
Lord. "Just as we trace the pathway of a stream of water by the
line of living green it produces, so Christ could be seen in the
deeds of mercy that marked His pathway at every step. Wher-
ever He went, health sprang up and happiness followed wher-
ever He passed. The blind and deaf rejoiced in His presence. His
words to the ignorant opened to them a fountain of life. He
dispensed His blessings abundantly and continuously. They
were the garnered treasures of eternity, given in Christ, the
Lord's rich gift to
man."—Counsels on Health,
p. 499.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does the hope of Christ's soon coming burn as fervently in
my heart as when I first embraced the third angel's message?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 111;
Colporteur Ministry,
p. 17;
Counsels to Teachers,
p. 324.
51
Hope of the Race
LESSON 6
❑
Tuesday
May 5
Part 3
Who is the principle enemy of the church, and how did he
THE WOMAN work both in the Dark Ages and on through to our own time?
AND HER
SEED
"To the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that
she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is
nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face
of the serpent."
"The dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make
war with the remnant of her seed which keep the command-
ments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ" (Rev.
12:14, 17).
"The great controversy between good and evil will increase in
intensity to the very close of time. In all ages the wrath of Satan
has been manifested against the church of Christ; . . . as the
church approaches her final deliverance, Satan is to work with
greater power. He comes down 'having great wrath, because he
knoweth that he hath but a short time.' Revelation 12:12.... All
the depths of satanic skill and subtlety acquired, all the cruelty
developed, during these struggles of the ages, will be brought
to bear against God's people in the final conflict."—The
Great
Controversy,
pp. ix, x.
What method will the dragon use to frustrate the efforts of
the believers? Rev. 12:13.
THINK IT THROUGH
Demons are real! They are fallen angels who have nothing to
do but to afflict and torment men. They were ejected from
heaven with Satan himself. They are confined to this earth. They
will perish here. They are doing their best to get every human
being possible to share their miserable fate.
"Satan has great advantages. He possessed the wonderful
intellectual power of an angel, of which few form any just idea.
Satan was conscious of his power, or he would not have en-
gaged in a conflict with the mighty God, the everlasting Father,
and the Prince of Peace. Satan closely watches events, and
when he finds one who has a specially strong spirit of opposi-
tion to the truth of God he will even reveal to him unfulfilled
events, that he may more firmly secure himself a seat in his
heart. He who did not hesitate to brave a conflict with Him who
holds creation as in His hand, has malignity to persecute and
deceive. He holds mortals in his snare at the present time.
During his experience of nearly six thousand years he has lost
none of his skill and shrewdness. All this time he has been a
close observer of all that concerns our
race."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, pp. 171, 172.
"We may keep so near to God that in every unexpected trial
our thoughts will turn to Him as naturally as the flower turns to
the
sun."—Steps to Christ,
pp. 99, 100.
The Great Controversy,
pp. 54, 55, 306;
The Ministry of Heal-
ing,
p. 96.
FURTHER STUDY
52
Hope of the Race
LESSON 6
❑
Thursday
May 7
Part 5
How strong is the Lord's assurance that He will again de-
"MY
liver His sealed people?
JEWELS"
"They shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day
when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man
spareth his own son that serveth him" (Mal. 3:17).
"The eye of God, looking down the ages, was fixed upon the
crisis which His people are to meet, when earthly powers shall
be arrayed against them. Like the captive exile, they will be in
fear of death by starvation or by violence. But the Holy One who
divided the Red Sea before Israel, will manifest His mighty
power and turn their captivity. 'They shall be Mine, saith the
Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up My jewels; and I will
spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.'
Malachi 3:17. If the blood of Christ's faithful witnesses were
shed at this time, [after probation's close] it would not, like the
blood of the martyrs, be as seed sown to yield a harvest for
God."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 634.
At this point the future of the saints seems hopeless. The
darkness that engulfed our Saviour in Gethsemane surrounds
them. Evil men and demons seek to overthrow their faith. The
outlook is dim, lighted only by the promises of the Scriptures. At
the midnight hour of their torturous experience, the Saviour will
reveal His power. During the time of trouble the blessed hope
alone will light their days. The bankruptcy of all things earthly
will now be clearly seen by all who desire the Lord's return.
By what dramatic act will God intervene for His people? Rev.
16:15; 22:12.
"In the time of trial before us God's pledge of security will be
placed upon those who have kept the word of His patience.
Christ will say to His faithful ones: 'Come, My people, enter thou
into thy chambers, and shut thy doors about thee: hide thyself
as it were for a little moment, until the indignation be overpast.'
Isaiah 26:20. The Lion of Judah, so terrible to the rejectors of His
grace, will be the Lamb of God to the obedient and faithful. The
pillar of cloud which speaks wrath and terror to the transgressor
of God's law is light and mercy and deliverane to those who
have kept His commandments."—Testimonies, vol. 6, p. 404.
THINK IT THROUGH
The gathering of the faithful of all ages! Does this thought
overwhelm you with a longing desire to be in that number?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 598;
Early Writings,
p. 70;
The
Ministry of Healing,
p. 488.
54
Hope of the Race
LESSON 6
❑
Friday
May 8
Part 6
"THIS IS
OUR GOD"
How will the church be rewarded for clinging by faith to the
Lord when His face was not revealed to them?
"It shall be said in that day, Lo, this is our God; we have
waited for him, and he will save us: this is the Lord; we have
waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation"
(Isa. 25:9).
"From garrets, from hovels, from dungeons, from scaffolds,
from mountains and deserts, from the caves of the earth and the
caverns of the sea, Christ will gather His children to Himself. On
earth they have been destitute, afflicted, and tormented. Mil-
lions have gone down to the grave loaded with infamy because
they refused to yield to the deceptive claims of Satan. By human
tribunals the children of God have been adjudged the vilest of
criminals. But the day is near when 'God is judge Himself.' (Ps.
50:6). Then the decisions of earth shall be reversed. 'The rebuke
of His people shall He take away.' Isa. 25:8. White robes will be
given to every one of them. (Rev. 6:11.) And 'they shall call them
the holy people, the redeemed of the Lord.' Isa. 62:12."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pp. 179, 180.
We have waited for him.—The
saints do not succumb to the
impatience of the scoffers. Their service and allegiance are
based on something deeper than "time of arrival." Their union
with Christ is based on faith, love, and respect. The quality of
that faith, the depth of love, and the height of their respect will
determine their ability to endure. And you may be sure that the
saints described in the preceding quotation built up these vir-
tues sufficiently to power them through the end. Prayer, Bible
study, and Christian service strengthen the soul fiber—
rendering the Christian shock resistant. We can and must now
hasten the buildup of these inner resources so that when the
storm breaks we will be safe.
How complete will be the triumph of the saints? Rev. 21:4.
"There [the eternal city] the redeemed greet those who led
them to the Saviour, and all unite in praising Him who died that
human beings might have the life that measures with the life of
God. The conflict is over. Tribulation and strife are at an end.
Songs of victory fill all heaven as the ransomed ones take up the
joyful strain, Worthy, worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and lives
again, a triumphant conqueror."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p.
602.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I now worthy to sing with the redeemed, "Worthy, worthy
is the Lamb"?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pp. 300, 644, 650.
55
LESSON 7 May 10-16
7 Life for Death
"The last enemy that shall be de-
stroyed is death" (1 Cor. 15:26).
On the cross Jesus cried, "It is
finished." Before Him was the tomb,
the resurrection, the ascension, His
priestly ministry, the second coming,
the millennium, the executive judg-
ment, and the new creation. It is
obvious therefore that the sacrificial
atonement for the sin of the race
was "finished." There would thereaf-
ter remain no more sacrifice for sin.
(See Heb. 10:26.) But in A.D. 31 the
world had not seen the last of Him.
"I will come again," He said. But
what will His coming mean to His
followers, His enemies, and to this
planet itself? The author found this
study fascinating. He thinks you will
too.
For, you see, changes are in store
for the human family that stagger
the imagination. The immediate fu-
ture offers little to hope for in terms
of human betterment. The prophet's
pen has faithfully traced a painful
picture. "Darkness shall cover the
earth, and gross darkness the
people" (Isa. 60:2). "Evil men and
seducers shall wax worse and
Worse" (2 Tim. 3:13). "Nation shall
rise against nation, and kingdom
against kingdom: and great earth-
quakes shall be in divers places, and
famines, and pestilences; and fearful
sights and great signs shall there be
from heaven" (Luke 21:10, 11).
These gloomy pictures of the re-
sults of our transgression could oc-
cupy this entire lesson, but there is
better news beyond! One persistent
ray of hope pierces the gloom—the
JOHN STEEL, ARTIST, © 1971 PPPA
second coming of Christ. It is a vital
part of the good news of the gospel.
All that we lost through the sin of
Adam will be restored by our com-
ing Lord. His coming will signal the
end of all human administration. The
erosion of the environment will be
arrested and reversed. Now we are
prisoners of time, but we will learn
by experience what we now accept
by faith, namely, the joy of living
eternally. His coming will signal the
end of all shortages of those things
essential to life and the restoration
of bounties beyond imagination.
There will occur a restoration of the
sinless environment, replacing the
sin-spoiled atmosphere of the
here
and now. Worship of the Creator
will be the continual and joyous
function of the creature. In immor-
tal, sin-free bodies the redeemed
will live their lives in harmony with
Heaven's laws. The sons,of Adam
will have a second chance because
the second Adam has atoned for us
all. He will return to complete for
His church the saving work that He
began at Bethlehem.
The last great enemy—death—and
all his cohorts will be destroyed!
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
The Last Enemy
(1 Cor. 15:54,
55)
2.
No Fear in the Valley
(Ps. 23:4)
3.
Endless Kingdom
(Dan. 2:44)
4.
Like Him
(1 John 3:2)
5.
Pure As He Is Pure
(1 John
3:3)
6.
Right to the Tree of Life
(Rev. 22:14)
Life for Death
LESSON 7
❑
Sunday
May 10
Part 1
THE LAST
ENEMY
THINK IT THROUGH
Death is an enemy to the righteous. How will the second
coming handle it?
"When this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and
this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought
to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in
victory. 0 death, where is thy sting? 0 grave, where is thy
victory?" (1 Cor. 15:54, 55). (See also John 5:28, 29; 1 Thess.
4:16, 17.)
"The Life-giver will call up His purchased possession in the
first resurrection, and until that triumphant hour, when the last
trump shall sound and the vast army shall come forth to eternal
victory, every sleeping saint will be kept in safety and will be
guarded as a precious jewel, who is known to God by name. By
the power of the Saviour that dwelt in them while living and
because they were partakers of the divine nature, they are
brought forth from the dead."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1143.
When will the wicked dead arise "unto the resurrection of
damnation" (John 5:29)? Rev. 20:5.
"At the close of the one thousand years, Jesus, with the
angels and all the saints, leaves the Holy City, and while He is
descending to the earth with them, the wicked dead are raised,
and then the very men that 'pierced Him,' being raised, will see
Him afar off in all His glory, the angels and saints with Him, and
will wail because of Him. They will see the prints of the nails in
His hands and in His feet, and where they thrust the spear into
His side. The prints of the nails and the spear will then be His
glory. It is at the close of the one thousand years that Jesus
stands upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount parts asunder
and becomes a mighty plain. Those who flee at that time are the
wicked, who have just been raised. Then the Holy City comes
down and settles on the plain. Satan then imbues the wicked
with his spirit. He flatters them that the army in the city is small,
and that his army is large, and that they can overcome the saints
and take the
city."—Early Writings,
p. 53.
Ponder the everlasting difference in being on the inside of
the Holy City looking out, rather than being on the outside of
the city looking in!
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
p. 239;
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, pp.
271-273.
58
Life for Death
LESSON 7
❑
Wednesday
May 13
Part 4
LIKE HIM
THINK IT THROUGH
What change will be made in our mortal nature at the sec-
ond coming?
"Beloved, now are we the sons of God, and it doth not yet
appear what we shall be: but we know that, when he shall
appear, we shall be like him; for we shall see him as he is"
(1 John 3:2). (See also 1 Cor. 15:51-55.)
"The earth mightily shook as the voice of the Son of God
called forth the sleeping saints. They responded to the call and
came forth clothed with glorious immortality, crying, 'Victory,
victory, over death and the grave! 0 death, where is thy sting? 0
grave, where is thy victory?' Then the living saints and the risen
ones raised their voices in a long, transporting shout of victory.
Those bodies that had gone down into the grave bearing the
marks of disease and death came up in immortal health and
vigor. The living saints are changed in a moment, in the twin-
kling of an eye, and caught up with the risen ones, and together
they meet their Lord in the air. Oh, what a glorious meeting!
Friends whom death had separated were united, never more to
part."—Early
Writings,
p. 287.
What dramatic reversal of experience will the saints ulti-
mately know? Mal. 4:3.
Perhaps the supreme tragedy in this reversal is that those who
once knew the Lord were enticed away by the evil one. "This
class threw themselves into a current of temptation and kept
where the enemy led them successfully, and he has so easily
controlled their minds and corrupted their entire experience
that in all probability they will be unable to recover themselves
out of his snare and obtain a healthful exprience.
"The fires of the day of God will consume the stubble and
chaff, and there will be nothing left of any who continue in the
ungodly course which they have so long loved. This class have a
disrelish for the society of those whom God is truly with."—
Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 554.
What undesirable traits in my character do I need to discard
in order to "lay aside every weight"? Or is it a matter of
opening the heart door to the heavenly Merchantman? (See
Rev. 3:20, 21.)
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
p. 110;
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, p. 33;
Tes-
timonies, vol.
1, p. 36.
61
Life for Death
LESSON 7
❑
Thursday
May14
Part 5
PURE AS
HE IS PURE
THINK IT THROUGH
How does the "blessed hope" inspire the believer toward
purity of life?
"Every man that hath this hope in him purifieth himself,
even as he is pure" (1 John 3:3).
Not that the believer ever expects to feel pure enough to be
worthy of the kingdom, apart from the merits of Jesus, but hope
of life in the hereafter improves the quality of life here. By
beholding we become like that which claims our attention. To
feed on the ashes of earth's depressing scene is to wither and
die when living really counts. Spirituality is fed from above.
Through prayer and the study of the Word we breathe the sweet
atmosphere of heaven. To pursue the hereafter is to enrich our
sojourn here!
While the Prince of Wales was on a visit to the Midlands, he
went into a certain workingman's home. Next day the working
man told his mate sadly, "We never expected him. The house
was untidy, and I hadn't washed. We shall never forgive our-
selves. If we had known that he was coming, we should have
been ready for him." Unfortunately, this sad lament will fall from
the lips of countless thousands who face One greater than the
Prince of Wales—the coming of the King of kings!
Eternal fellowship with Christ is the Christian's goal. Will he
ever achieve it? Rev. 14:4; 7:4, 9.
Who is the present strength of the believer? Isa. 40:31.
"Christ is saying to you today: 'I am with you, co-operating
with your faithful, trusting efforts, and giving you precious vic-
tories. I will strengthen you as you sanctify yourselves to My
service. I will give you success in your efforts to arouse souls
dead in trespasses and sins.'
"Unswerving faith and unselfish love will overcome the dif-
ficulties that arise in the path of duty to hinder aggressive
warfare. As those inspired by this faith go forward in the work of
saving souls, they will run and not be weary, will walk and not
faint."—Testimonies, vol. 7,
p. 243.
Many obese persons spend their lives worrying about their
weight. The bad news that the scales bring daily keeps them in a
state of depression. Their time could be better spent on a
weight-reduction program. Concentrating less on the scales
and more on consistent weight-reducing measures would ac-
complish more. To those who have eyes that see and ears that
hear, this illustration speaks volumes.
Do I desire eternal life because I fear eternal death, or
because I love Christ so dearly that I want to live in His
presence eternally?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Faith and Acceptance," p. 53.
62
Life for Death
LESSON 7
❑
Friday
May 15
Part 6
RIGHT TO
THE TREE
OF LIFE
THINK IT THROUGH
What conditions must be met by those expecting to enter
the city?
"Blessed are they that do his commandments, that they
may have right to the tree of life, and may enter in through the
gates into the city" (Rev. 22:14).
Sometimes, in this text, the blessing is spoken to those "who
wash their robes," (NEB, RSV). Either way, it points to the heart
of salvation. He who remembers that His robe is clean only
because it has been washed in the precious blood of the Lamb is
going to hunger and thirst after the righteousness of Jesus. He
pleads that in his own life might be seen wholehearted obedi-
ence to the commandments of God by the power of the Holy
Spirit. The harmony of grace and righteousness that has always
existed in the heart of God will be reflected in the heart of the
redeemed believers.
Will the church someday enjoy the Holy City? Heb. 11:16.
"Only a few days more to be as pilgrims and strangers in this
world, seeking for a better country, even an heavenly. Our home
is in heaven. Then stay your soul in confidence upon God. Roll
all your burdens upon Him.
"Oh, how many times has your heart been touched with the
beauty of the Saviour's countenance, charmed with the loveli-
ness of His character, and subdued with the thought of His
suffering. Now He wants you to lean your whole weight upon
Him. I will give a chapter to comfort you at all times. 'And in that
day thou shalt say, 0 Lord, I will praise thee: though thou wast
angry with me, thine anger is turned away, and thou comfort-
edst me. Behold, God is my salvation; I will trust, and not be
afraid: for the Lord Jehovah is my strength and my song; he also
is become my salvation. Therefore with joy shall ye draw water
out of the wells of salvation' (Isa. 12:1-3)."—Selected
Messages,
bk. 2, p. 232.
Do I keep the commandments from a sense of fear or be-
cause I love the Commandment-giver, who also is my Re-
deemer? (See John 14:15.)
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 625;
Child Guidance,
p. 354;
Counsels
to Teachers,
p. 280.
63
LESSON 8 May 17-23
One Thousand
Years-Of What?
"I saw an angel come down from
heaven, having the key of the bottom-
less pit and a great chain in his hand.
And he laid hold on the dragon, that
old serpent, which is the Devil, and
Satan, and bound him a thousand
years" (Rev. 20:1, 2).
The millennium is 1000 years—an
interval between the second coming
of Christ and the ultimate destruc-
tion of the wicked. The sin experi-
ment has run its course. Demons
and selfish men have rendered the
earth unfit for human habitation.
The second coming of Christ will
mercifully cut short this work of
death, or no flesh could be saved.
This fascinating study of the millen-
nium describes (1) the occupation of
the saints, (2) the fate of the wicked,
and (3) the activities of Lucifer and
his angels during this period.
The millennium is one of the most
misunderstood of all Bible doctrines.
It is one on which the Adventist
view is almost unique, not only be-
cause of our understanding of the
nature of man, but also because of
our view of the limited role of
natural Israel in the fulfillment of
Bible prophecy. Some teach that it is
a period of time when the gospel
will go to and convert the Jewish na-
tion. It is associated with the reign
of antichrist. Yet others picture it as
the culmination of man's political
evolution, 1000 years of peace as the
reward for man's upward strivings.
For yet others, the millennium has
no clear meaning in their system of
interpretation. Biblically speaking,
none of the above is true.
This lesson pictures the millen-
OHN STEEL, ARTIST, © 1967 PPPA
nium as a time of holy action, essen-
tial to the eternal joy of the saints,
and as a time of embarrassment and
desperation for Lucifer and his
hosts. Those who reach the Holy
City must know why many of their
loved ones are not there. Thus "the
saints shall judge the world" (1 Cor.
6:2). One thousand years in the at-
mosphere of heaven is a fitting
counterpart to the 6000 years of the
sin experience.
For the devil the millennium is a
special source of embarrassment.
Imprisoned here with his evil con-
federates, he is at least free to pon-
der his loss. His human victims are
all dead. The righteous during the
millennium are in heaven. The fallen
angels with their leader are alone to
quarrel and fight among themselves
for 1000 years. Satan stands exposed
for what he really is, a deceiver and
a treasonable usurper. Satan may
once have aspired to improve on
God's creative power, but in one
thousand years he cannot improve
on the desolation of the earth. (See
Early Writings,
p. 145;
Spiritual Gifts,
vol. 3, p. 36.)
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Everlasting Destruction
(2 Thess. 1:6-10, NIV)
2.
Kings and Priests
(Rev. 20:4, 6)
3.
Jealous "Creator"
(Isa. 14:12-14)
4.
The Bride Adorned
(Rev. 21:2)
5.
"Camp of the Saints"
(Rev. 20:5, 9, 10)
6.
"Neither Root nor Branch"
(Mal. 4:1)
One Thousand Years-Of What?
LESSON 8
❑
Sunday
May 17
Part 1
At the second coming of Christ what will happen to the
EVERLASTING wicked?
DESTRUCTION
"God is just: He will pay back trouble to those who trouble
you and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well.
This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven
in blazing fire with his powerful angels. He will punish those
who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord
Jesus. They will be punished with everlasting destruction and
shut out from the presence of the Lord and from the majesty of
his power on the day he comes to be glorified in his holy
people and to be marveled at among all those who have
believed. This includes you, because you believed our tes-
timony to you" (2 Thess. 1:6-10, NIV).
"At the coming of Christ the wicked are blotted from the face
of the whole earth—consumed with the spirit of His mouth and
destroyed by the brightness of His glory. Christ takes His people
to the City of God, and the earth is emptied of its inhabitants."—
The Great Controversy,
p. 657.
The wicked have slighted 6000 years of grace dispensed at
infinite cost. They have caused the persecution of preachers,
prophets, and messengers of God. And finally the greatest price
of all was paid in the death of the only-begotten Son of God. So
that in a real sense they deserve their fate. God has, beyond all
this, surrounded us with those support systems that sustain life.
And, though scarred by 6000 years of abuse, this planet has
retained much in nature that would gladden the eye and rejoice
the heart. The sinner literally has to blind himself to the mercies
of God in order to put himself in the path of God's wrath. He has
to hurdle obstacle after obstacle, each a reminder of the Mas-
ter's love, to reach the fiery judgments of Jehovah.
How is the ultimate triumph of the redeemed over death
portrayed by the apostle Paul? 1 Thess. 4:16, 17.
The glory of the translation of the saints succeeds the mid-
night of persecution and sorrow. All affection for this world will
be ironed out of us by God's permitted affliction. Indeed, that is
the purpose of it. The fires of affliction will burn fiercest just
before the dawn of the second coming. We will be brought to
long for Him as "the hart panteth after the water brooks" (Ps.
42:1).
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
66
In the parable, the wheat and the tares were to grow to-
gether until the harvest. Is there anything still in or about my
life that will cause me to be among the tares rather than the
wheat at Christ's appearing? (See Matt. 13:30, 40.)
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To Meet the Bridegroom," p. 421;
Early Writings,
p. 179.
One Thousand Years-Of What?
LESSON 8
❑
Monday
May 18
Part 2
What will the righteous do in heaven?
KINGS AND
PRIESTS
"I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was
given unto them."
"Blessed and holy is he that hath part in the first resurrec-
tion: on such the second death hath no power, but they shall
be priests of God and of Christ, and shall reign with him a
thousand years" (Rev. 20:4, 6). (Compare with 1 Cor. 6:2, 3.)
"After the saints are changed to immortality and caught up
together with Jesus, after they receive their harps, their robes,
and their crowns, and enter the city, Jesus and the saints sit in
judgment. The books are opened—the book of life and the book
of death. The book of life contains the good deeds of the saints;
and the book of death contains the evil deeds of the wicked.
These books are compared with the statute book, the Bible, and
according to that men are judged. The saints, in unison with
Jesus, pass their judgment upon the wicked dead. . . . This, I
saw, was the work of the saints with Jesus through the one
thousand years in the Holy City before it descends to the
earth."—Early
Writings,
pp. 52, 53.
How long will they remain there? Rev. 20:2, 6.
"The saints will rest in the Holy City and reign as kings and
priests one thousand years; then Jesus will descend with the
saints upon the Mount of Olives, and the mount will part asun-
der and become a mighty plain for the Paradise of God to rest
upon. The rest of the earth will not be cleansed until the end of
the one thousand years, when the wicked dead are raised, and
gather up around the city."—Early
Writings,
pp. 51, 52.
At this same time, what will be the condition of the earth?
Jer. 4:23-26.
For 1000 years the earth will lie desolate. This time period is
bound by the second coming of Christ at the beginning and the
descent of the New Jerusalem at the end. During this time the
saints are in heaven, and the wicked are dead on the earth.
Contrary to popular thought, there will be no preaching to or
conversion of the Jewish nation at this time. All conversions will
take place before the millennium. For when the millennium
begins, destinies will have been fixed.
THINK IT THROUGH
What have I done today to ensure that my destiny will be
fixed for eternal life and not for everlasting destruction, when
the books in heaven are closed? (See 1 Tim. 5:24.)
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pp. 52, 53;
Education,
pp. 180, 181;
Tes-
timonies,
vol. 9, pp. 14, 15.
67
One Thousand
Years-Of What?
LESSON 8
❑
Tuesday
May 19
Part 3
Under the symbol of the king of Babylon, what ambition is
JEALOUS attributed to Lucifer, son of the morning?
"CREATOR"
"How art thou fallen from heaven, 0 Lucifer, son of the
morning! ... For thou hast said in thine heart, ... I will be like
the most High" (Isa. 14:12-14).
If Lucifer aspired to be like the Most High, he would undoubt-
edly covet creative power. The creation of this world and of man
could have coincided in some measure with Lucifer's rebellion
in heaven.
"Especially was His [God's] Son to work in union with Himself
in the anticipated creation of the earth and every living thing
that should exist upon the earth. His Son would carry out His will
and His purposes but would do nothing of Himself alone. The
Father's will would be fulfilled in Him.
"Lucifer was envious and jealous of Jesus Christ."—The
Story of Redemption,
pp. 13, 14.
With 1000 years to prove his credentials as a creator, how
does Lucifer (Satan) perform?
The original sin was related to the desire of Lucifer to be
consulted in the creation of mankind and the earth. Instead,
however, Christ was invited into council with the Father in the
planning of this creative act. Lucifer's heart was filled with
jealous but carefully controlled rage, and he went about in-
sinuating against the government of God with such effective-
ness that many of the angels in heaven accepted his story.
Now Lucifer was the highest of all created beings, but the fact
that he was created indicated that he did not have creative
power. (See Eze. 28:15.) He rebelled against his limitations and
was cast out into the earth.
During the millennium he could have 1000 years to demon-
strate any creative power. But, alas, at the end of the 1000 years
he will not, in all of this time, have created a single living flower.
His credibility, in this and all respects, will have been destroyed.
He must divert the attention of his angel followers away from
himself. The arrival of the City of God at the end of the 1000
years provides him with this opportunity. He inspires a sense-
less attack against the saints in the City. Fire comes down from
God out of heaven and destroys all the wicked—angels and
people.
THINK IT THROUGH
Whatever is left of the world's coveted oil will add to the fires
for destroying the wicked and cleansing the earth. (See
Spiritual Gifts,
vol. 3, p. 87 and
The Great Controversy,
p. 672.)
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 264;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 697;
The Desire of Ages,
p. 516.
68
One Thousand
Years-Of What?
LESSON 8
❑
Friday
May 22
Part 6
What is the fate of wicked men who failed to accept Christ's
"NEITHER salvation?
ROOT NOR
BRANCH"
"Behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all
the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and
the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of
hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch" (Mal.
4:1).
Here in detail is the consequence of not believing the gospel,
as Christ explained the matter to Nicodemus (John 3:16-18).
"Satan's work of ruin is forever ended. For six thousand years
he has wrought his will, filling the earth with woe and causing
grief throughout the universe. The whole creation has groaned
and travailed together in pain. Now God's creatures are forever
delivered from his presence and temptations. 'The whole earth
is at rest, and is quiet: they [the righteous] break forth into
singing.' Isaiah 14:7....
"While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the
righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part
in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While
God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a
sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11."—The
Great
Controversy,
p. 673.
What produces the "utter end" of devils, death, and hell?
Rev. 20:10, 14, 15.
" 'I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and
the first earth were passed away.' Revelation 21:1. The fire that
consumes the wicked purifies the earth. Every trace of-the curse
is swept away. No eternally burning hell will keep before the
ransomed the fearful consequences of sin.
"One reminder alone remains: Our Redeemer will ever bear
the marks of His crucifixion. Upon His wounded head, upon His
side, His hands and feet, are the only traces of the Cruel work
that sin has wrought. Says the prophet, beholding Christ in His
glory: 'He had bright beams coming out of His side: and there
was the hiding of His power.' Habakkuk 3:4, margin. That
pierced side whence flowed the crimson stream that reconciled
man to God—there is the Saviour's glory, there 'the hiding of His
power.'
"—The Great Controversy,
p. 674.
THINK IT THROUGH
How shall I stand in that great day?
FURTHER STUDY
Counsels to Teachers,
p. 55;
Education,
p. 301-309.
71
4,1
LESSON 9 May 24-29
90
Divfme Justice--
With Love
"The Lord is not slack concerning
his promise, as some men count slack-
ness; but is longsuffering to us-ward,
not willing that any should perish, but
that all should come to repentance"
(2 Peter 3:9).
During the Middle Ages theolo-
gians invented the doctrine of
everburning embers" as the ulti-
mate fate of the wicked. This twisted
version of divine justice has made
more skeptics, atheists, and infidels
than any other Bible-related teach-
It is to Satan's advantage thus to
misrepresent the character of God.
Only divine love could have toler-
ated sin in an orderly universe. We
must therefore view the eradication
of evil as essential to the good of all
creation. In love, the God of heaven
will put an end to it all.
Messengers of mercy brought re-
peated appeals to their own genera-
tion that man should worship and
obey the true God. But most of
them were rather roughly treated.
Noah was ridiculed; Jeremiah was
consigned to a pit; James, John the
Baptist, and Paul were all beheaded;
Peter was crucified; and the apostle
John was exiled. God even sent His
Son Jesus with His appeal of love
and mercy. Alas, He was crucified.
Would you not agree that God has
done all that divine love could con-
ceive to save man? Jesus was God's
only-begotten Son! God the Father
risked losing Him to save mankind.
This is love, deep and mysterious. If
He loses His Son, we too are lost.
So in a real sense Jehovah risked all!
IOHN STEEL, ARTIST, © 1961 PPPA
The justice of God must never be
studied without the truth of 2 Peter
3:9, which assures us that God is
"not willing that any should perish,
but that all should come to repen-
tance."
An offended God will be vindi-
cated. His violated law must be satis-
fied. Without enforcement power,
God would forfeit the respect of the
universe. Hence, the "fire and
brimstone" of Revelation 20. It is the
natural consequence of unrequited
love. God is not a stern-visaged des-
pot sitting in the heavens, anxious to
punish; rather, He is a loving Father
who has striven 6000 years to deliver
us. But when spurned, He is still a
"consuming fire."
For those who cannot sacrifice
their idols for the sake of living in
the presence of Jesus, heaven would
be a place of perpetual torture. It
would have to deprive them of free-
dom. It is in mercy, therefore, that
justice exacts the toll of every unfor-
given sin. Heaven must be truly
heaven to every permanent resident.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
Where Mercy Meets Justice
(John 3:16)
2.
The Long-suffering God
(2 Peter 3:9)
3.
Give Account of Yourself
(Rom. 14:12)
4.
Your Adversary the Devil
(1 Peter 5:8)
5.
Destroyed "in Hell"
(Matt. 10:28)
6.
"Prisoners of Hope"
(Zech. 9:12)
Divine Justice—With Love
LESSON 9
❑
Sunday
May 24
Part 1
WHERE
MERCY
MEETS
JUSTICE
What principle of mercy forever undergirds the judgments
of Jehovah?
"God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son,
that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have
everlasting life" (John 3:16). (Compare Matt. 23:37-39; Hosea
11:7, 8.)
"Divine pity marked the countenance of the Son of God as He
cast one lingering look upon the temple and then upon His
hearers. In a voice choked by deep anguish of heart and bitter
tears He exclaimed, '0 Jerusalem, Jerusalem!' [Matt. 23:37
quoted] ... This is the separation struggle. In the lamentation of
Christ the very heart of God is pouring itself forth."—The
Desire
of Ages,
p. 620.
"0 that we might comprehend more fully the infinite price
that has been paid for our redemption! Paul declares, 'Ye are
bought with a price' (1 Cor. 6:20); and it is true; for the price paid
is nothing less than the life of the only-begotten Son of God. Let
us all consider this. We may refuse the invitations that Christ
sends to us; we may neglect His offer of pardon and peace; but
still it remains a fact that every one of us has been bought with a
price, even with the precious blood of the Son of God. There-
fore, 'Consider him' (Heb.
12:3)."—Selected Messages,
bk. 1, p.
100.
Despite the vivid language of some Bible passages, how
does God feel about the punishment of the wicked? Eze.
18:32.
"Satan is ready to steal away the blessed assurances of God.
He desires to take every glimmer of hope and every ray of light
from the soul; but you must not permit him to do this. Do not
give ear to the tempter, but say, 'Jesus has died that I might live.
He loves me, and wills not that I should perish. I have a compas-
sionate heavenly Father; and although I have abused His love,
though the blessings He has given me have been squandered, I
will arise, and go to my Father, and say, "I have sinned against
heaven, and before Thee, and am no more worthy to be called
Thy son: make me as one of Thy hired servants." ' The parable
tells you how the wanderer will be received:
'When he was yet a
great way off,
his father saw him, and had compassion, and ran,
and fell on his neck, and kissed him.' Luke 15:18-21."—Steps
to
Christ,
pp. 53, 54.
In the light of the precious promise of 1 John 1:9, why will so
many souls for whom Christ died be lost?
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 631-634.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
74
Divine Justice-With Love
LESSON 9
❑
Tuesday
May 26
Part 3
Since we live in a moral universe, what does this require of
GIVE
us in terms of justice?
ACCOUNT OF
YOURSELF
"Every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom.
14:12). (Compare Eccl. 12:13, 14.)
"In matters of conscience the soul must be left untrammeled.
No one is to control another's mind, to judge for another, or to
prescribe his duty. God gives to every soul freedom to think, and
to follow his own convictions. 'Every one of us shall give ac-
count of himself to God.' No one has a right to merge his own
individuality in that of another. In all matters where principle is
involved, 'let every man be fully persuaded in his own mind.'
Rom. 14:12, 5. In Christ's kingdom there is no lordly oppression,
. no compulsion of manner. The angels of heaven do not come to
the earth to rule, and to exact homage, but as messengers of
mercy, to co-operate with men in uplifting humanity."—The
Desire of Ages,
pp. 550, 551.
What ultimately is at stake in this controversy between
Christ and Satan? Isa. 44:6, 7; Eze. 28:6, 7.
The claims to Deity are brought close to us in the claims of the
God-Man, Jesus Christ. His contemporaries recognized the
weight of His claims in a measure when they accused Him of
blasphemy. His claims were confirmed in His rising from the
dead.
"Over the rent sepulcher of Joseph, Christ had proclaimed in
triumph, 'I am the resurrection, and the life.' These words could
be spoken only by the Deity. All created beings live by the will
and power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of
God. From the highest seraph to the humblest animate being,
all are replenished from the Source of life. Only He who is one
with God could say, I have power to lay down My life, and I have
power to take it again."—The
Desire of Ages,
p. 785.
The allegiance of mankind and angels was at stake in the
challenge to the character and law of God. If the law and its
claims were left unsatisfied, the issue of sin would forever re-
main unsettled. And the longer this was undecided, the longer
the spreading rebellion was multiplied. In taking our place be-
fore God, Christ bore in His own body the curse of the law for us.
This places us on vantage ground. Such love draws us to God.
Angels touch their harps in rapture at the divine impulse. Who
wouldn't serve a God like this?
THINK IT THROUGH
Ponder the awful outcome for the human beings on this
planet had not Christ died for them. Then for reassurance read
or recite John 3:16.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 3, pp. 117, 523.
76
Divine Justice-With Love
LESSON 9
❑
Thursday
May 28
Part 5
As indicated in the introduction to this week's lesson, no
DESTROYED
other teaching within the Christian church has made more
"IN HELL"
enemies for God than the teaching of an eternally burning hell.
No other teaching has made it harder to accept that divine
justice is with love. In spite of some Bible texts that would seem
to support a continuing punishing of the impenitent, there are
clear statements of the total destruction of the wicked. The gift
of God to the wicked is not eternal life—neither "in hell" nor
anywhere else!
What is one of the clearest statements of the concept given
above?
"Fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the
soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and
body in hell" (Matt. 10:28). (Compare also Rev. 20:13-15; Mal.
4:1.)
"Fire comes down from God out of heaven. The earth is
broken up. The weapons concealed in its depths are drawn
forth. Devouring flames burst from every yawning chasm. The
very rocks are on fire. The day has come that shall burn as an
oven. The elements melt with fervent heat, the earth also, and
the works that are therein are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter
3:10. The earth's surface seems one molten mass—a vast,
seething lake of fire. It is the time of the judgment and perdition
of ungodly men—' the day of the Lord's vengeance, and the year
of recompenses for the controversy of Zion.' Isaiah 34:8."—The
Great Controversy,
pp. 672, 673.
To complete the picture of events at the close of the millen-
nium, we note the preservation of the "camp of the saints" and
the cleansing of the earth:
"While the earth was wrapped in the fire of destruction, the
righteous abode safely in the Holy City. Upon those that had part
in the first resurrection, the second death has no power. While
God is to the wicked a consuming fire, He is to His people both a
sun and a shield. Revelation 20:6; Psalm 84:11."—The
Great
Controversy,
p. 673.
According to Peter, what kind of power will God release in
"the day of the Lord"? 2 Peter 3:10, 11.
THINK IT THROUGH
Read Proverbs 1:26 and Psalm 2:4. How should we har-
monize these two texts with the thought in Ezekiel 33:11?
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
p. 151;
The Great Controversy,
p. 504;
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, p. 138.
78
~`1
The New Creation
LESSON 10
❑
Sunday
May 31
Part 1
In preparation for the new creation, what steps does the
EVERLASTING Lord take to cleanse the earth of every trace of sin (and
DESTRUCTION sinners)?
"In flaming fire taking vengeance on them that know not
God, and that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ:
who shall be punished with everlasting destruction from the
presence of the Lord, and from the glory of his power" (2 Thess.
1:8, 9).
"The day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the
which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the
elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the
works that are therein shall be burned up" (2 Peter 3:10).
"The wicked receive their recompense in the earth. Proverbs
11:31. They 'shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn
them up, saith the Lord of hosts.' Malachi 4:1. Some are de-
stroyed as in a moment, while others suffer many days. All are
punished 'according to their deeds.' The sins of the righteous
having been transferred to Satan, he is made to suffer not only
for his own rebellion, but for all the sins which he has caused
God's people to commit.... After all have perished who fell by
his deceptions, he is still to live and suffer on. In the cleansing
flames the wicked are at last destroyed, root and branch—Satan
the root, his followers the branches. The full penalty of the law
has been visited; the demands of justice have been met; and
heaven and earth, beholding, declare the righteousness of
Jehovah."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 673.
What act of creation will Christ then perform? Isa. 65:17.
"All the treasures of the universe will be open to the study of
God's redeemed. Unfettered by mortality, they wing their tire-
less flight to worlds afar—worlds that thrilled with sorrow at the
spectacle of human woe and rang with songs of gladness at the
tidings of a ransomed soul. With unutterable delight the chil-
dren of earth enter into the joy and the wisdom of unfallen
beings. They share the treasures of knowledge and understand-
ing gained through ages upon ages in contemplation of God's
handiwork. With undimmed vision they gaze upon the glory of
creation—suns and stars and systems, all in their appointed
order circling the throne of Deity. Upon all things, from the least
to the greatest, the Creator's name is written, and in all are the
riches of His power displayed."—The
Great Controversy,
pp.
677, 678.
THINK IT THROUGH
Can we ever comprehend in its fullness what it will mean to
"mount up with wings as eagles"? (Isa. 40:31).
FURTHER STUDY
Prophets and Kings,
pp. 278, 725, 726.
82
The New Creation
LESSON 10
❑
Monday
June 1
Part 2
How will the animal world relate to mankind in the new
ORDER AND earth?
HARMONY
"The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion
shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust shall be the serpent's
meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain,
saith the Lord" (Isa. 65:25).
Early in her experience, Ellen White saw in vision what had
been forseen by Isaiah the prophet: "Then we entered a field full
of all kinds of beasts—the lion, the lamb, the leopard, and the
wolf, all together in perfect union. We passed through the midst
of them, and they followed on peaceably after."—Early
Writ-
ings,
p. 18.
Will there be rental housing units in the new earth? Isa.
65:21, 22.
"In the earth made new the redeemed will engage in the
occupations and pleasures that brought happiness to Adam
and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life will be lived, the life in
garden and field."—The
Adventist Home,
p. 549.
Thousands live in substandard housing. Falling plaster,
creaking staircases, rat holes, faulty plumbing, and filth on filth
is the daily lot of the urban poor. Absentee landlords who flout
city housing codes are the rule, not the exception. In fact, seven
to ten occupants in a single room is not unusual in some ghetto
areas. Thousands grow up whose values are alien to the na-
tional consensus. In some great cities of the earth millions are
born, live, and die upon the streets. No place is home. The high
crime rate in the cities is no mystery to the social worker. Behind
the facade of prosperity in some sections there are the areas of
internal rot that make life for millions a matter of day-to-day
survival.
To all these the promise of a new world where all will partake
of the horn of plenty must have a strong appeal. Hope is fed by
the promise of better days ahead. But even this, the glory of the
world to come, is pale when compared with the prospect of
eternal fellowship with our Maker and Redeemer.
THINK IT THROUGH
There will be, we are told, no lazy or idle among the re-
deemed in the new earth, according to Isaiah 65:21-23. Since
earth is the preparation place as it were, how can I possibly
entertain idleness in my daily life here and now?
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pp. 303, 304;
Prophets and Kings,
p. 731.
83
The New Creation
LESSON 10
❑
Tuesday
June 2
Part 3
How does the prophet Isaiah indicate the end of all our
EVERY- troubles once heaven becomes our home?
THING'S
RIGHT!
"They shall not labour in vain, nor bring forth for trouble; for
they are the seed of the blessed of the Lord, and their off-
spring with them" (Isa. 65:23).
"The Bible does not acknowledge a believer who is idle,
however high his profession may be. There will be employment
in heaven. The redeemed state is not one of idle repose. There
remaineth therefore a rest to the people of God, but it is a rest
found in loving service."—Ellen G. White Comments,
S.D.A.
Bible Commentary,
vol. 3, p. 1164.
What is the apostle John's parallel assessment of the new
creation? Rev. 21:4.
"There are homes for the pilgrims of earth. There are robes
for the righteous, with crowns of glory and palms of victory. All
that has perplexed us in the providences of God will in the world
to come be made plain. The things hard to be understood will
then find explanation. The mysteries of grace will unfold before
us. Where our finite minds discovered only confusion and bro-
ken promises, we shall see the most perfect and beautiful
harmony."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 286.
What promise for the handicapped that found only a mea-
sure of fulfillment at Christ's first advent is assured to us at the
second? Isa. 35:5, 6.
"The earth promised to the meek will not be like this, dark-
ened with the shadow of death and the curse. 'We, according to
His promise, look for new heavens and a new earth, wherein
dwelleth righteousness.' 2 Peter 3:13. . . .
"There is no disappointment, no sorrow, no sin, no one who
shall say, I am sick; there are no burial trains, no mourning, no
death, no partings, no broken hearts; but Jesus is there, peace
is
there."—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
p. 17.
THINK IT THROUGH
What a joy it will be to see loved ones and friends, some of
whom have suffered severe affliction and endured many
handicaps in this life, able to walk, run, and even fly, with no
pain or encumbrance of any kind, "changed in a moment."
FURTHER STUDY
Early Writings,
pp. 288, 289;
Patriarchs and Prophets,
p. 477;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp. 313, 314.
84
The New Creation
LESSON 10
❑
Thursday
June 4
Part 5
War has plagued the human family since the advent of sin.
STUDY WAR In Isaiah's prophecies of an Israel open to her Messiah, what
NO MORE promises of perpetual peace remain to be fulfilled by "the
church" of all ages in the Promised Land?
"He shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many
people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and
their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword
against nation, neither shall they learn war any more" (Isa.
2:4).
Heaven will provide a homecoming that is beyond imagina-
tion. So many surprises of God's providence will then be made
known. Souls redeemed will greet those who, perhaps all-
unknown now, were the instruments of God for their salvation.
Tumult and strife are gone forever. Eternal peace reigns. Men
and angels will, in genuine ecstasy, unite voices and instru-
ments in harmonies of praise to the Redeemer. "Worthy, worthy
is the Lamb that was slain"!
Who will be the permanent Ruler of the new order? Dan.
2:44; Rev. 11:15.
"About His coming cluster the glories of that 'restitution of all
things, which God hath spoken by the mouth of all His holy
prophets since the world began.' Acts 3:21. Then the long-
continued rule of evil shall be broken; 'the kingdoms of this
world' will become 'the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ;
and He shall reign for ever and ever.' Revelation 11:15. 'The
glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it
together.' The Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to
spring forth before all the nations.' He shall be 'for a crown of
glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of His
people.' Isaiah 40:5; 61:11; 28:5.
"It is then that the peaceful and long-desired kingdom of the
Messiah shall be established under the whole heaven. 'The Lord
shall comfort Zion: He will comfort all her waste places; and He
will make her wilderness like Eden, and her desert like the
garden of the Lord.' 'The glory of Lebanon shall be given unto it,
the excellency of Carmel and Sharon.' Thou shalt no more be
termed Forsaken; neither shall thy land any more be termed
Desolate: but thou shalt be called My Delight, and thy land
Beulah.' As the bridegroom rejoiceth over the bride, so shall thy
God rejoice over thee.' Isaiah 51:3; 35:2; 62:4, 5, margin."—The
Great Controversy,
pp. 301, 302.
THINK IT THROUGH
Of all the glories of heaven, none will be so glorious to
behold as my Saviour's face!
FURTHER STUDY
Isa. 65:17-25 in various modern translations.
86
The New Creation
LESSON 10
❑
Friday
June 5
Part 6
"There shall be no night there; and they need no candle,
KINGS AND neither light of the sun; for the Lord God giveth them light: and
QUEENS they shall reign for ever and ever" (Rev. 22:5). (Compare 20:6.)
In the words of the Scriptures and of Ellen White, the royal
status of the redeemed is persistently affirmed. Who can begin
to comprehend the privileges of sharing the throne and gov-
ernment of heaven?
" 'These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever He
goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first
fruits unto God and to the Lamb.' Revelation 14:4. The vision of
the prophet pictures them as standing on Mount Zion, girt for
holy service, clothed in white linen, which is the righteousness
of the saints. But all who follow the Lamb in heaven must first
have followed Him on earth, not fretfully or capriciously, but in
trustful, loving, willing obedience, as the flock follows the
shepherd."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
p. 591.
How does Ellen White picture the triumphant church?
"Now the decisions of earth are reversed. 'The rebuke of His
people shall he take away.' Isaiah 25:8. 'They shall call them,
The holy people, The redeemed of the Lord.' He hath appointed
`to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning,
the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness.' Isaiah 62:12;
61:3. They are no longer feeble, afflicted, scattered, and op-
pressed. Henceforth they are to be ever with the Lord. They
stand before the throne clad in richer robes than the most
honored of the earth have ever worn. They are crowned with
diadems more glorious than were ever placed upon the brow of
earthly monarchs. The days of pain and weeping are forever
ended. The King of glory has wiped the tears from all faces;
every cause of grief has been removed. Amid the waving of palm.
branches they pour forth a song of praise, clear, sweet, and
harmonious; every voice takes up the strain, until the anthem
swells through the vaults of heaven: 'Salvation to our God
which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb.' And all the
inhabitants of heaven respond in the ascription: 'Amen: Bless-
ing, and glory, and wisdom, and thanksgiving, and honor, and
power, and might, be unto our God for ever and ever.' Revela-
tion 7:10, 12."—The
Great Controversy,
pp. 650, 651.
THINK IT THROUGH
What have I done today to deepen my assurance that when
God's true church triumphs, I will triumph with it?
FURTHER STUDY
The Story of Redemption,
p. 432;
The Acts of the Apostles,
p.
591.
87
LESSON 11 June 7-13
IR. EternalIE Life
for the Church
"This is the record, that God hath
given to us eternal life, and this life is
in his Son. He that hath the Son hath
life; and he that hath not the Son of
God hath not life" (1 John 5:11, 12).
The supreme passion of man is to
live forever. Pagan philosophies
have imputed to human beings an
immortal nature, an immortal soul.
The writers of the Scriptures take a
dim view of this doctrine. They are
consistent in their view that man by
sin forfeited his initial prospect of
living forever. Now he has a state of
mortality in this life while he awaits
the gift of God—immortality—in the
first resurrection or in translation.
Death is an enemy, a foreign ele-
ment in the government of God.
Our hearts must never be satisfied
until it is banished forever from the
universe.
The idea that humans should live
forever is not new. It is a divine
principle that pervaded Eden until
the sin of Adam and Eve. Death is
foreign to the nature of God. "In
him was life; and the life was the
light of men" (John 1:4). It was,
therefore, not in God's plan for us
to die. But sin changed all this. We,
by sin, voluntarily separated our-
selves from God. We must now ex-
perience the full separation of
death. Death is the natural end of
sin, for it is the ultimate degree of
separation. Sin is by nature schis-
matic. It is impossible to rebel
against God and also be in harmony
NNINGS, ARTIST, © 1948 PPPA
with Him. Thus, when Adam and Eve
sinned, the taint of decay appeared
on all of nature.
The desire to live forever has
nevertheless persisted. Pagan
philosophies invented the concept
of an immortal soul to ease the pain
of dying. In some cultures, when a
king died, his servants were slain,
ostensibly to meet his needs in the
other world. Some second-century
Christians borrowed this concept
from Plato, and since then it has fas-
tened itself like a leech on the faith
of millions.
The Bible teaches that the quality
and assurance of eternal life may be
enjoyed here by the church—the
body of Jesus Christ. But the immor-
tal state must await the resurrection
or translation at the second advent.
Death is the price of sin. Human
philosophy cannot reason this away.
By accepting Christ, we may receive
by faith now the life that is eternal.
After the resurrection it will be ours
by nature.
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
A Tree of Life
(Gen.
2:9)
2.
Life Compromised
(Gen. 3:13, 17)
3.
Deception and Death
(Ps. 146:4; Eccl. 9:5, 6)
4.
Death and Victory
(1 Cor. 15:51-54)
5.
Immortality Bestowed
(1 Tim. 6:15, 16)
6.
Eternal Life, Eternal Joy
(John 16:33; 15:11, 12)
Eternal Life For the Church
LESSON 11
❑
Monday
June 8
Part 2
By what related acts did the first pair stray from the divine
LIFE
plan for their lives?
COMPROMISED
"The Lord God said unto the woman, What is this that thou
hast done? And the woman said, The serpent beguiled me,
and I did eat." "Unto Adam he said, Because thou hast hear-
kened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of
which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it:
cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it
all the days of thy life" (Gen. 3:13, 17).
Satan convinced Eve that God had withheld something good.
If the fruit of the tree was good for food, why should she not have
some? Eve was led to distrust God. This is fatal to anyone.
Intellectual distrust led to emotional imbalance. Eve had lost
her protection against deception. The act that would plunge the
world into misery was thus assured.
Adam, however, made a clear choice between life and death.
He chose death, and it has been passed on to all of his descen-
dants.
"She [Eve] then plucked for herself of the fruit and ate, and
imagined she felt the quickening power of a new and elevated
existence as the result of the exhilarating influence of the for-
bidden fruit. She was in a strange and unnatural excitement as
she sought her husband with her hands filled with the forbidden
fruit. She related to him the wise discourse of the serpent and
wished to conduct him at once to the tree of knowledge. She
told him she had eaten of the fruit, and instead of her feeling any
sense of death, she realized a pleasing, exhilarating influence.
As soon as Eve had disobeyed she became a powerful medium
through which to occasion the fall of her husband."—The
Story
of Redemption,
pp. 35, 36.
What precautions did God take to prevent the race from
becoming immortal sinners? Gen. 3:22-24.
"Angels were commissioned to immediately guard the way of
the tree of life. It was Satan's studied plan that Adam and Eve
should disobey God, receive His frown, and then partake of the
tree of life, that they might perpetuate a life of sin. But holy
angels were sent to debar their way to the tree of life. Around
these angels flashed beams of light on every side, which had the
appearance of glittering swords."—The
Story of Redemption,
p.
41.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
In the light of the first sin, do I find it easy to forget or hard to
believe, that God always knows what is best for me, however
severe the trial or the test?
Testimonies,
vol. 5, p. 366;
Counsels on Diet and Foods,
p.
357.
91
Eternal Life For the Church
LESSON 11
❑
Tuesday
June 9
Part 3
DECEPTION
AND DEATH
Because of sin, death has become a part of our experience.
What happens to us in death?
"His breath goeth forth, he returneth to his earth; in that
very day his thoughts perish" (Ps. 146:4).
"The living know that they shall die: but the dead know not
any thing, neither have they any more a reward; for the mem-
ory of them is forgotten. Also their love, and their hatred, and
their envy, is now perished; neither have they any more a
portion for ever in any thing that is done under the sun" (Eccl.
9:5, 6).
In the final conflict of the remnant church with the forces of
darkness, the entire issue of the nature of the human family will
be for some as traumatic as the issue of the Sabbath day. "Upon
the fundamental error of natural immortality rests the doctrine
of consciousness in death—a doctrine, like eternal torment,
opposed to the teachings of the Scriptures, to the dictates of
reason, and to our feelings of humanity. According to the popu-
lar belief, the redeemed in heaven are acquainted with all that
takes place on the earth and especially with the lives of the
friends whom they have left behind. But how could it be a
source of happiness to the dead to know the troubles of the
living, to witness the sins committed by their own loved ones,
and to see them enduring all the sorrows, disappointments, and
anguish of life? How much of heaven's bliss would be enjoyed
by those who were hovering over their friends on earth?"—The
Great Controversy,
p. 545.
What ringing declaration by Christ permits the dying to look
forward to life after death? John 5:28, 29.
"Christ declared to His hearers that if there were no resurrec-
tion of the dead, the Scriptures which they professed to believe
would be of no avail.... God counts the things that are not as
though they were. He sees the end from the beginning, and
beholds the result of His work as though it were now ac-
complished. The precious dead, from Adam down to the last
saint who dies, will hear the voice of the Son of God, and will
come forth from the grave to immortal life. God will be their
God, and they shall be His people. There will be a close and
tender relationship between God and the risen saints. This
condition, which is anticipated in His purpose, He beholds as if
it were already existing. The dead live unto Him."—The
Desire
of Ages,
p. 606.
What a thrill we will experience when we see our guardian
angel in the resurrection. (See
Education,
p. 305.)
The Great Controversy,
pp. 550, 551.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
92
Eternal Life For the Church
LESSON 11
❑
Thursday
June 11
Part 5
Who alone has immortality now by nature and by right?
IMMORTALITY
BESTOWED
"Which in his times he shall shew, who is the blessed and
only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords; who only
hath immortality, dwelling in the light which no man can ap-
proach unto; whom no man hath seen, nor can see: to whom
be honour and power everlasting. Amen" (1 Tim. 6:15, 16).
In demonstration of the truth that only God now has immortal-
ity, Christ made a challenging claim when He was here on earth
as man: " 'I am the resurrection and the life.' This language can
be used only by the Deity. All created things live by the will and
power of God. They are dependent recipients of the life of the
Son of God. However able and talented, however large their
capabilities, they are replenished with life from the Source of all
life. Only He who alone hath immortality, dwelling in light and
life, could say, 'I have power to lay down my life, and I have
power to take it again.' All the human beings in our world take
their life from Him. He is the spring, the fountain of life."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
S.D.A. Bible Commentary,
vol. 5, p. 1113.
May we in this life partake of the quality of eternal life while
we wait for the reality in the life to come? 1 John 5:11, 12.
In conversion, we now must claim by faith what Adam had
potentially by nature—life eternal upon meeting the conditions.
In the resurrection we will receive by nature what we now claim
by faith. In the resurrection this corruptible will put on incorrup-
tion, and this mortal shall put on immortality. Amen!
The attractiveness of living forever depends upon the charac-
ter each person develops. The seasoned sinner loses any desire
to live forever. Sin has its pleasure but it is transitory. The
indulgence of sinful pleasure soon sours.
Those who find joy in the prospect of life eternal are those
who find Christ here! The enrichment of the human experience
here whets the appetite for more of the same in the hereafter.
Only the righteous would want to live forever. Death is merciful
to the sinner.
THINK IT THROUGH
My character here determines what I shall be when I shall
see Him as He is! Oh, solemn thought!
FURTHER STUDY
Evangelism,
p. 247;
The Great Controversy,
p. 533;
Funda-
mentals of Christian Education,
p. 379.
94
Eternal Life For the Church
LESSON 11
❑
Friday
June 12
Part 6
To possess Christ is to enjoy life to the fullest, now and
ETERNAL eternally. What evidence do we have that this is so?
LIFE,
ETERNAL
"These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might
JOY
have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of
good cheer; I have overcome the world."
"These things have I spoken unto you, that my joy might
remain in you, and that your joy might be full. This is my
commandment, That ye love one another, as I have loved
you" (John 16:33; 15:11, 12).
"In His parting conversation with His disciples on the night
before the crucifixion the Saviour made no reference to the
suffering that He had endured and must yet endure. He did not
speak of the humiliation that was before Him, but sought to
bring to their minds that which would strengthen their faith,
leading them to look forward
to the joys that await the
overcomer."—The Acts of the Apostles,
p. 23. (Emphasis
supplied.)
What special privilege will be accorded those who victori-
ously survive the final tribulation? Rev. 14:3, 4.
With all the redeemed, the 144,000 share the unending joy of
the earth made new. "There [in the City of God], immortal minds
will contemplate with never-failing delight the wonders of crea-
tive power, the mysteries of redeeming love. . . . There the
grandest enterprises may be carried forward, the loftiest aspira-
tions reached, the highest ambitions realized; and still there will
arise new heights to surmount, new wonders to admire, new
truths to comprehend, fresh objects to call forth the powers of
mind and soul and body."—The
Great Controversy,
p. 677.
Is life in eternity likely to be exciting and challenging?
"Many seem to have the idea that this world and the heavenly
mansions constitute the universe of God. Not so. The redeemed
throng will range from world to world, and much of their time
will be employed in searching out the mysteries of redemption.
And throughout the whole stretch of eternity, this subject will be
continually opening to their minds. The privileges of those who
overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of their
testimony are beyond comprehension."—S.D.A.
Bible Com-
mentary, vol.
7, p. 990.
THINK IT THROUGH
Eternal life—mine for the grasping! (See 1 Tim. 6:12, 19.)
Amen.
FURTHER STUDY
Patriarchs and Prophets,
pp. 88, 89.
95
J,
ec'
LESSON 12 June 14-20
1120 The Church's
Spfultual I'Nesources
"Seek ye the Lord while he may be
found, call ye upon him while he is
near: let the wicked forsake his way,
and the unrighteous man his thoughts:
and let him return unto the Lord, and
he will have mercy upon him; and to
our God, for he will abundantly par-
don" (Isa. 55:6, 7).
As we move toward the difficult
days before the church will be home
at last, we find that we have not
been left to face the enemy alone.
There are at our disposal ample pro-
visions for successful spiritual com-
bat. Angels of God that excel in
strength are commissioned to pro-
tect our lives and lighten our bur-
dens. There are, however, some in-
itiatives that rest with us. As Adam
took the initiative, when he partook
of the forbidden fruit, so we have
decisions to make in God's recovery
plan. These can be neglected only at
the peril of our souls. The tapping of
our spiritual resources is of the first
priority.
It is the studied purpose of Satan
to provide distractions to divert our
attention from our primary needs.
He has a mixed bag of persons,
places, things, and situations that
have worked well for him through
the centuries. The list of great and
good men who have succumbed to
his wiles is endless. Patriarchs and
prophets have not been immune to
his blandishments. This has in turn
discouraged many from attempting
the good life.
There is nothing mysterious, how-
ever, about our spiritual failures. In-
variably they occur when we fail to
take advantage of our spiritual re-
sources. The promises of God are
backed up by the total resources of
heaven, and they are more than
STEEL, ARTIST, © 1969 PPPA
adequate. But there is nothing au-
tomatic about their dispensation.
Our Lord has admonished us, "Ask,
and it shall be given you; seek, and
ye shall find; knock, and it shall be
opened unto you" (Matt. 7:7). This
requires an exercise of the will.
Under the tree in Eden, God did
not move arbitrarily to restrain Eve
from yielding to temptation. She fas-
tened her attention on the serpent
and came under his mesmeric influ-
ence. Finally, she was believing
things that she should have doubted
and doubting things that she should
have believed. In this state of mental
confusion she sinned against God,
and Adam followed her deliberately.
Surrounded by angels of God who
longed to rescue them but were
helpless before the human will, Eve
and Adam went the way all flesh has
followed. Prayer, a study of the
Word of God, and sincere repen-
tance are basic essentials in our
search for spiritual excellence.
In our study we are now consider-
ing Heaven's spiritual provisions for
preparing the church and keeping
the church for the triumphal return
of Christ when she will be home at
last—in Eden restored, "Paradise Re-
gained."
DAILY HIGHLIGHTS
1.
"I Am With You"
(Matt. 28:20)
2.
"Make You Clean"
(Isa. 1:16)
3.
"Every Word"
(Matt. 4:4)
4.
"Not Forsaking"
(Heb. 10:25; 1 John 1:7)
5.
Angels in Charge
(Ps. 91:11, 12)
6.
He Will Perform It
(Phil. 1:6)
The Church's Spiritual Resources
LESSON 12
❑
Sunday
June 14
Part 1
"I AM
WITH YOU"
THINK IT THROUGH
What assurance did Christ express to His disciples that He
would never forsake them or us?
"Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have
commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the
end of the world. Amen" (Matt. 28:20).
When we wonder how this promise of Christ's was fulfilled to
faithful John the Baptist, we might want to consider the follow-
ing words of encouragement:
"Though no miraculous deliverance was granted John, he
was not forsaken. He had always the companionship of
heavenly angels, who opened to him the prophecies concern-
ing Christ, and the precious promises of Scripture. These were
his stay, as they were to be the stay of God's people through the
coming ages. To John the Baptist, as to those that came after
him, was given the assurance,
I am with you all the days,
even unto the end.' Matt. 28:20, R.V., margin."—The
Desire of
Ages,
p. 224.
Is Christ's promise to be with His disciples true even when
they are under direst persecution? Isa. 43:2.
"As in the days of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego, so in
the closing period of earth's history the Lord will work mightily
in behalf of those who stand steadfastly for the right. He who
walked with the Hebrew worthies in the fiery furnace will be with
His followers wherever they are. His abiding presence will com-
fort and sustain."—Prophets
and Kings,
p. 513.
The knowledge that Christ is with us when all else turns
against us is comforting indeed.
A little boy accompanied his father on a long journey. On their
return trip, night fell. His father lighted a lantern as they entered
the dark forest. Soon the night obscured the father's form as he
led the way, carrying the lantern.
"Father, I don't see you: I'm scared," shouted the little boy.
"Can you see the light, Son?" the father asked.
"Yes, Daddy,7 came the answer. "But I can't see you."
"No matter," answered the father, "just follow the light."
The light of God's Word never shone more brightly than
today. We do not always understand the fiery trials or heavy seas
through which we pass. But we may know that He is with us,
whether or not we feel His presence; for to follow the light is to
follow Him.
The promises of God's Word will never fail, even as God
Himself will never fail us. (See God's pledge to Joshua in
Joshua 1:5.)
FURTHER STUDY
Read John 15 as rendered in a modern version.
98
The Church's Spiritual Resources
LESSON 12
❑
Tuesday
June 16
Part 3
How basic is the part played by the Word of God in the
"EVERY development of spiritual life?
WORD"
"He answered and said, It is written, Man shall not live by
bread alone, but by every word that proceedeth out of the
mouth of God" (Matt. 4:4).
The promises of Christ and His instruction were not limited in
application to those who first heard them. "With the conse-
crated worker for God, in whatever place he may be, the Holy
Spirit abides.
The words spoken to the disciples are spoken also
to us.
The Comforter is ours as well as theirs."—The
Acts of the
Apostles,
p. 51. (Emphasis supplied.)
What must be the Christian's attitude toward the words of
God as he stands for Christ and truth in the last days? 2 Tim.
2:15.
"We must cherish carefully the words of our God lest we be
contaminated by the deceptive workings of those who have left
the faith. We are to resist their spirit and influence with the same
weapon our Master used when assailed by the prince of
darkness—'It is written.' We should learn to use the Word of
God skilfully. The exhortation is, 'Study to show thyself ap-
proved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed,
rightly dividing the word of truth.' There must be diligent work
and earnest prayer and faith to meet the winding error of false
teachers and seducers; for 'in the last days perilous times shall
come.'
"—Evangelism,
pp. 625, 626.
God has revealed Himself to man in many ways. Intuitively
man senses that there is a God. Nature in her order and beauty
adds evidence. And then there is, of course, the supreme revela-
tion of God in Jesus Christ. The Holy Spirit is His living succes-
sor. But visible to the eye is the Book—in fact 66 books—
authored by 40 Spirit-filled men as God's unerring guide to the
better world. It has been vilified, neglected, and rejected by
some; studied, believed, respected, and obeyed by others.
Blessed are the latter, for they shall indeed inherit the world to
come.
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
100
In the physical realm, it is a fact that in many circumstances,
one seeking to help another finds that he has in the process
prolonged his own life. In a spiritual sense, this is likewise
true. In helping to save others through the merits of Jesus—
"ye are complete in him" (Col. 2:10)—we are in an attitude to
maintain a saving relationship to Christ and His righteous-
ness which alone makes possible the salvation of our own
souls.
Child Guidance,
pp. 510, 511, 538, 539.
The Church's Spiritual Resources
LESSON 12
❑
Wednesday
June 17
Part 4
In what sense is Christian fellowship and church attendance
"NOT where possible a strength to the believer in the time of the
FORSAKING" end?
"Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the
manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much
the more, as ye see the day approaching" (Heb. 10:25).
"If we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellow-
ship one with another, and the blood of Jesus Christ his Son
cleanseth us from all sin" (1 John 1:7).
In moments of discouragement members sometimes stop
attending church. These fail to recognize that the church is a
hospital for sinners, not an honor society for saints. The most
needy souls should never miss an opportunity to fellowship and
worship. When under extreme pressures, we most need the
encouragement of fellow travelers on the King's highway. Jesus
Christ established the church. It is His body (1 Cor. 12:12-27).
We are members of His body. We are not in this world alone. As
church members, we share our joys and sorrows. While we need
our God, we also need each other.
In a time of prevailing apostasy and daring challenges to
the Majesty of heaven, what special recognition was given to
those who supported each other in loyalty to Jehovah? Mal.
3:16.
"[Mal. 3:16,17 quoted.] It will pay ... to improve the privileges
within our reach, and, even at some sacrifice, to assemble with
those who fear God and speak for Him; for He is represented as
hearkening to those testimonies, while angels write them in a
book. God will remember those who have met together and
thought upon His name, and He will spare them from the great
conflagration. They will be as precious jewels in His sight, but
His wrath will fall on the shelterless head of the sinner. It is not a
vain thing to serve God. There is a priceless reward for those
who devote their life to His
service."—Testimonies,
vol. 4, p.
107.
"In chs. 3:16-18 and 4:2 [of Malachi] God acknowledges the
faithful few in Israel who remain loyal to Him and assures them
of His unfailing love. At the same time (ch. 4:1, 3) He warns the
wicked of their fate on the day of final judgment. The message of
Malachi closes with the assurance that prior to the great day of
the Lord a messenger will appear to assist Him in the work of
preparing the 'jewels' for His crown and preserving them
through the day of judgment (ohs. 4:4-6, 2;
3:17)."—S.D.A. Bible
Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1123.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
vol. 2, p. 654; vol. 6, pp. 32, 33; vol. 7, p. 190.
101
0
Life's Real Meaning
LESSON 13
❑
Wednesday
June 24
Part 4
Who cannot find some way of extending the divine invitation
EVERYBODY that crowns the life with purpose and meaning?
SAY "COME"
"The Spirit and the bride say, Come. And let him that
heareth say, Come. And let him that is athirst come. And
whosoever will, let him take the water of life freely" (Rev.
22:17).
"Every follower of Jesus has a work to do as a missionary for
Christ in the family, in the neighborhood, in the town or city
where he lives. All who are consecrated to God are channels of
light. God makes them instruments of righteousness to com-
municate to others the light of
truth."—Testimonies,
vol. 2, p.
632.
As we go out or reach out with our varied witnessing
methods, what sort of reception may we expect? Luke 8:5-8.
Not many of us will have the success of Jonah at Nineveh.
Heartache often accompanies the work of the gospel worker.
Atheists, agnostics, and infidels will often sit in our pews. Add to
this the members who show little appreciation for the gospel of
the kingdom. There are, on the other hand, the eager, the hun-
gry, and the desperate, who welcome truth like a cool breeze on
a summer day.
"The world's Redeemer had many hearers, but few followers.
Noah preached one hundred and twenty years to the people
before the Flood, and yet there were few who appreciated this
precious, probationary time. Save Noah and his family, not one
was numbered with the believers and entered into the ark. Of all
the inhabitants of the earth, only eight souls received the mes-
sage; but the message condemned the world. The light was
given in order.that they might believe; their rejection of the light
proved their ruin. Our message to the world will be a savor of life
unto life to all who accept it, and of condemnation to all who
reject
it."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 36.
As there is in the natural world a limit to what the human agent
can do to cause seed to grow and be fruitful, so in the spiritual
realm the human efforts to sow the seeds of gospel truth have
certain limitations. The farmer or gardener digs and rakes and
plants; he may even feed and water the seed. But God im-
planted, and He controls the spark of life dormant in the seed. It
is His sun that shines to stimulate germination. Only God can
"give the increase" to our witnessing.
THINK IT THROUGH
How can we more fully appreciate and take dedicated ad-
vantage of our remaining probationary time? (See Rom.
13:11.)
FURTHER STUDY
Christian Service,
pp. 67-70.
109
Life's Real Meaning
LESSON 13
❑
Thursday
June 25
Part 5
HE THAT
ENDURETH
THINK IT THROUGH
FURTHER STUDY
110
How old is the problem of unfaithfulness in the church?
"From that time many of his disciples went back, and
walked no more with him. Then said Jesus unto the twelve,
Will ye also go away? Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord,
to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life"
(John 6:66-68).
" 'No man can come to Me, except the Father which hath sent
Me, draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.' What is the
drawing?—'It is written in the prophets, And they shall be all
taught of God. Every man therefore that hath heard and hath
learned of the Father, cometh unto Me.' There are men who
hear, but who do not learn the lesson as diligent students. They
have a form of godliness, but are not believers. They know not
the truth by practice. They receive not the engrafted word."—
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
p. 460.
The Word of God tests the validity of a Christian experience.
Some cannot bear the straight testimony. Yet others have re-
ceived only a surface conversion. Many of these fall away. How-
ever, the church must go on making disciples. Apostasy must
not dampen our evangelistic ardor. Many fell away and walked
no more with Jesus. We can expect no more. "He that shall
endure unto the end .. . shall be saved" (Mark 13:13).
What inspired encouragement have we concerning many
who fall away from the church?
"When the storm of persecution really breaks upon us the
true sheep will hear the true Shepherd's voice. Self-denying
efforts will be put forth to save the lost, and many who have
strayed from the fold will come back to follow the great
Shepherd. The people of God will draw together and present to
the enemy a united front. . . .
"... The love of Christ, the love of our brethren, will testify to
the world that we have been with Jesus and learned of Him.
Then will the message of the third angel swell to a loud cry, and
the whole earth will be lightened with the glory of the Lord."—
Testimonies,
vol. 6, p. 401.
Should we not, in the light of the above statement, pursue
with all diligence the privilege of prayer and Bible study for the
stability of our souls? There is no substitute for this. This alone
breeds faith, without which it is impossible to please God. These
initiatives are immediately imperative.
What degree of concern should I have that I will never look
back and fall away? (See Luke 9:62; 2 Tim. 1:12.)
Selected Messages,
bk. 2, p. 147;
Testimonies,
vol. 5, pp.
211-213.
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